Asylum
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
David Mackenzie
Augustus Jeremiah Lewis
Natasha Richardson
Hugh Bonneville
Wanda Ventham
Judy Parfitt
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
In 1950s England, Stella Raphael, a restless, beautiful woman, desperately desires to find in romantic love the one thing that will change everything. When her husband Max, an ambitious forensic psychiatrist, is appointed Deputy Superintendent at a high-security psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane, Stella and her young son come with him to live on the grounds. Being in proximity of madness has a dangerous attraction for this woman; with its eerie, gothic beauty and endless echoing corridors, the institution itself seems to draw Stella in. Then she meets inmate Edgar Stark, an artist confined for murdering his wife in a jealous rage. There is a visceral connection between the two. Stella finds release and a sense of herself reborn in Edgar's embrace. Senior physician Peter Cleave, long in line for the position to which Max has been promoted, watches carefully as Stella and Edgar bond--"sexual pathology" is his particular field of interest. The cunning Dr. Cleave is a master observer, one who especially prides himself on manipulation. Stella is now the center of attention for three men, each of whom desires to possess her: the husband, the lover and the doctor. When Edgar escapes the asylum and their secret affair is revealed, Stella determines to continue on with her lover, no matter what the cost. What began as a fierce brave step towards freedom now threatens to bring Stella to other, even more intense forms of confinement. Having taken the risk, there is no turning back.
Director
David Mackenzie
Cast
Augustus Jeremiah Lewis
Natasha Richardson
Hugh Bonneville
Wanda Ventham
Judy Parfitt
Marton Csokas
Joss Ackland
Gus Lewis
Ian Mckellen
Crew
Peter Agnew
David E Allen
Philip Barber
Michael Barlow
Laurie Borg
Consolata Boyle
John Buchanan
David Collins
Chris Curling
Baron Davis
Laurence Dorman
Simon Downes
Priscilla John
Harmon M. Kaslow
Stephen King
Mark Mancina
Patrick Marber
Steven Markoff
Patrick Mcgrath
Bruce Mcnall
Colin Monie
Mace Neufeld
Giles Nuttgens
Patrick O'donoghue
Robert Rehme
Natasha Richardson
Jonathan Scott
Steven Weisberg
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Miscellaneous Notes
Limited Release in United States August 12, 2005
Released in United States August 2005
Released in United States February 2005
Released in United States on Video January 17, 2006
Released in United States Summer August 12, 2005
Shown at Berlin International Film Festival (Competition) February 10-20, 2005.
Shown at Edinburgh Film Festival (British Gala) August 17-28, 2005.
Based on the 1996 novel "Asylum" by Patrick McGrath, which was a finalist for Britain's Whitbread fiction award. Book was acquired for low six against mid-six figures.
Paul McGuigan was previously attached to direct and Liam Neeson was previously attached to star.
Literary Sale Date 05/01/1996
Released in United States on Video January 17, 2006
Released in United States February 2005 (Shown at Berlin International Film Festival (Competition) February 10-20, 2005.)
Released in United States August 2005 (Shown at Edinburgh Film Festival (British Gala) August 17-28, 2005.)
Limited Release in United States August 12, 2005
Released in United States Summer August 12, 2005
