Asylum Seekers

June. 13,2009      PG-13
Rating:
4.4
Trailer Synopsis Cast

Six people on the verge of a breakdown decide to check themselves into an insane asylum, only to discover there is just room for one.

Pepper Binkley as  Maud
Stella Maeve as  Alice
Bill Dawes as  Alan
Lee Wilkof as  Paul
Liza Binkley as  Female Worker #1
Shana Dowdeswell as  Girlfriend
Mercedes Herrero as  Hostess #1
Remy Auberjonois as  Dinner Host
Edward James Hyland as  Dr. Psycho #4
Joseph McKenna as  Mickey

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Reviews

PodBill
2009/06/13

Just what I expected

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Matylda Swan
2009/06/14

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

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Anoushka Slater
2009/06/15

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

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Janis
2009/06/16

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

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gavin6942
2009/06/17

Six people on the verge of a breakdown decide to check themselves into an insane asylum, only to discover there is just room for one.I have to wonder, what sort of thing inspires this film? Luis Bunuel? David Lynch? Clearly Alice in Wonderland to some degree... but this film has a surreal vibe -- no, not a vibe. It is surreal through and through. Which, if you like that, will tickle your fancy.The idea behind this film was awesome, the imagery was awesome, the twists were awesome... so why did I give it a mediocre rating? Simply because this film, if redone by someone with a bigger budget and with access to more star power, could make it a much better film. The only really good actor was the man playing the bald guy in a suit. (The cyber girl was okay, too... the gender bender rapper was by far the worst.

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baxstrom
2009/06/18

In reference to some of the previous reviews, yes "Asylum Seekers" dares to be surreal. Whether this is a compliment or an epithet is entirely according to individual taste, I suppose. I think that the film is quite smart and very humorous, although at times the joke takes a while to sink in. This, to my mind, is a good thing. Themes of acting, self-presentation, fragmentation, and "mental health" in modern life are presented quite well in this film. True, quite often "Asylum Seekers" dispenses with easy plot devices, but this seems to be rooted in an expectation that the audience will actually engage a bit with the underlying themes rather than passively wait to be jolted into cheap laughter or "understanding".Interestingly, the film reminds me a lot of Raymond Roussel's novels; Roussel was funny too, but only if you were open to his strange sense of the world.For those interested in the formal qualities of a film, I can say that "Asylum Seekers" looks great. True, it is not "realistic", but it is clear that the director and crew got the most out of what was probably a fairly low budget.So, for lazy viewers, this is not a good film at all. If you actually take X-Factor or "the media" (any media...Fox, MSNBC, BBC...does not matter, really) or your therapist seriously, by all means stay away! If this is the level of your engagement, this film is not only not for you...you are actually the film's target. For those who can appreciate a more complex world than this, however, I can highly recommend "Asylum Seekers".

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laurarbutler
2009/06/19

This movie is great! Fantastic cinematic shots, colors, sets and great actors.Its subject is genius. Characters seeking an asylum? The way I feel sometimes in this society made me question: why not seek an asylum? It takes you on a bizarre journey that feels like your trapped in a brain of another sort of character. The Music adds to the story of each character wonderfully as well. I could identify with so many moments. Especially Dr. Raby's. I don't want to spoil anything by saying too much but Daniel Irizarry's work in this film just carries you with him in the sentiments. I look forward to seeing more from the Director, Rania Ajami.

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ifyoupleasedrawmeasheep
2009/06/20

This is the kind of indie film we don't see much of anymore. Great story, stunning visuals, and completely out there (it's right up there with the classics, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Velvet Goldmine). The acting is great, the characters are alive on screen, all of them funny, anguished, paranoid, and lovable. The costumes, the locations, all of the visuals are eye popping and bizarre as we are taken through the worlds and minds of these unique characters. The story alone sets the tone for this creative and wacky comedy, 6 self proclaimed crazies all fighting for the last spot in an elite insane asylum, you can be sure you're in for a wild ride!

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