kitkorner To start off I just want to say that this man does not have schizophrenia. I'm not sure if it got mixed up due to the fact that he directed another film where the main character had schizophrenia or if people can't tell the difference between mental illnesses and just went off of what this description said. Keane suffers from bipolar disorder, this is a very accurate representation of what it is like to have a manic episode. Now to put all that aside- this is an amazing movie. The hectic pace keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole thing but there is enough tender moments to keep things on an even keel. The cinematography is amazing and keeps us close to the character. I do wish the ending was a little different but that's just my opinion. I'm a huge fan of Lodge Kerrigan's work and if you can you should take the time to see a few of his other films. Like Gus Van Sant, he has a penchant for showing the lives of the type of people that are not usually represented on the big screen.

anthonyjlangford This will be remembered more for the period it was made rather than its content. It's hand-held cinema verite style in almost Dogma fashion is very much in that late nineties to mid 2000's vein. That's not necessarily a bad thing. The acting is top notch and the direction too and most of the elements are in place, even though it does feel like many others that came before it and since.The problem is in it's authenticity. The first act sets up a very damaged man. In the second he can apparently turn his illness off like a switch. Now many people can hide their problems, such as alcoholics, those with anger issues, but this doesn't border on the ridiculous, it is ridiculous. I'd love to hear from true sufferers such as the type revealed in the beginning of the film (very well portrayed by the way) but magically throws it out the window. I think it's an insult to genuine sufferers of mental illness.Still, the other characters are totally believable even if their actions are not always which seems such a shame because you do care about these people, especially when there's a child at stake. The ending simply annoyed and yet, again, slots right into that type of indie filmmaking typical of this period. It will ultimately be no different than looking back on film noir, early screwball comedy's, seventies horror or even eighties teenage flicks. A film entrenched in its style without fully extending beyond it. Which is a shame as so much of it is good, especially the primary performance.

adamk-2 This is just a stunning film: brave and bold certainly not afraid to take its time. In today's cinematic world of fast edits, it's a rare thing to see a film which doesn't resort to flashy gimmicks, but allows the atmosphere, the sheer grimness of it all to take its hold in its own time.When I first started watching this, I wasn't sure if i'd be able to stick the slow pace, but then -- gradually, of course -- it all came together and I couldn't tear myself away. No intrusive score (no score at all, in fact) so no dramatic chords telling you what to feel and when, and cinematography that is unyielding and unforgiving, and there is no escape, for either the viewer or the characters. It exerts a powerful, breathtaking power as the tension ratchets up imperceptibly until you think your heart might burst.Full kudos to the actors, but especially to Damien Lewis, who is absolutely fantastic.

Eleanordent I watched this film because I adore Damien Lewis ((Band of Brothers.) I recorded it and was glad I did; it was so harrowing I kept having to stop the tape. Don't let that put you off; the acting, from Lewis and from the seven-year-old girl who is his co-star, is heartbreaking. I don't know whether anyone else has mentioned this, but there is no music in the film. This was a wise decision by the director. Music often tells the viewer what to think and how to feel; believe me, this is not necessary in this film. The lack of music heightens the tension and makes it more realistic. The ending isn't happy, as such, but Keane achieves a kind of closure and it is beautifully done, without being sentimental. Stunning acting is paired with stunning direction. A masterpiece.