Crazylove

Mental health problems are a serious and growing concern for many people. While the affects to mental and emotional disorders can tear lives and families apart but you would never know it by the way many films depict it. Films tend to show the lighter side of mental health care. You know, every hospital seems to be populated solely but patients that are strange enough to be amusing. Sure, it would be difficult to sell a story about misery, despair and years of difficult treatment. Mental health facilities are better suited on the screen as a place where romance can blossom. This is basically the setting for Ellie Kanner’s film ‘Crazylove’. While the location is far from realistic the emotions go straight for the heart. Some excellent films have been set in unrealistic settings like this. Just consider such pieces of cinematic history like ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest’ or ‘Girl, Interrupted’. Both were able to transcend the ‘fun’ institutions to provide a great platform for the writers, director and cast. While not up to the bar set by these films ‘Crazylove’ delivers a human story of a woman finding herself and discovering love. Some films require a good dose of being able to suspend believe and accept the story as is. I have a good friend who sums this up nicely, ‘you’re thinking too much’. If you can take this movie as a simple dramatic romance you will enjoy it.

It is 6:30 AM and the alarm clock rings rousing Letty Mayer (Reiko Aylesworth) from her sleep. She likes things in their proper place as made evident by her neatly organized underwear draw and how she has to straight a slightly askew painting on the wall. Her kitchen cabinets are painstakingly staked with numerous plastic containers all properly labeled and organized. Just as she is about to leave home she realizes that she may have forgotten something. She places her briefcase back in its place under the hall table and proceeds to check the stove in the kitchen. This is a young woman who is obviously afflicted with some degree of obsessive compulsion disorder. For someone who requires order Letty is not exactly in the best possible professions; she is an elementary school teacher. On this particular day just as she gets to work a young girl comes over to her with a pretty bad nosebleed. This makes her late for her meeting with school officials where Letty is to pitch her idea for a very time intensive after school math program she has devised. After work Letty is anxious to have drinks with her mother (JoBeth Williams) and tell her all about her triumph. Also there for cocktails is Letty’s younger sister, Ruth (Marla Sokoloff). While Letty is busting to talk about her program the conversation centers on Ruth’s life. Little sis has just gotten engaged and of course Mom is completely focused and her. The rest of Letty’s life is not exactly as orderly as her panty draw. Her boyfriend of some years, Paul (David Alan Basche), has been avoiding the topic of marriage and is completely focused on his career and getting a promotion. While helping Ruth shop for a wedding gown she notices that Letty has been crying but concern is soon pushed aside by her own excitement. Everyone else’s troubles are dumped on Letty. Mom tells Ruth she won’t come to the wedding if her father brings his girlfriend leaving Letty in between an escalating family battle. When the planning for a major family party is assigned to Letty her mother goes into criticism over drive pushing Letty just over the edge. Letty finally loses it at a local supermarket while looking for the right type of olives. She passes out only to awaken in a mental heal hospital under a doctor’s care.

In the hospital Letty comes across the usual selection of patients directly out of central casting. Naturally there is the large but kindly man, John, played by Meat Loaf Aday. Then there is the handsome, attractive schizophrenic Michael (Bruno Campos). He begins to win the heart of Letty with antics such as sneaking out pizza, impersonating a doctor and making zany faces during group therapy. Letty realizes that he may act crazy most of the time but he is really a very caring many who tends to the often neglected more breakable patients. A bound between Letty and Michael begins to form. It’s not that they don’t believe they belong there; the bond is based more and knowing they have problems. They start off sharing a little covert look then a clandestine cigarette in the linen closet to ultimately being a real part in each other’s lives. The film continues through their treatment and eventually to them trying to start a new life in the outside world.

Ellie Kanner has made a very good career for herself as a casting director. She uses this ability to make sure each and every role in this film is perfect. In recent years she has been directing and has the potential to be one of the better Independent film makers. She has a natural, easy flowing style that never dips into the overly dramatic. This film may not realistically depict a psychiatric hospital but after watching it you will not care. This is excellent storytelling and that is what counts in the end. The pacing is organic, never feeling forced or contrived. Even with a plot point we can all see coming a mile off, the romance, the story draws you in. Each shot is framed like a painting; little moments of life captured for the audience.

Reiko Aylesworth may be most recognizable for her role in the hit television series, ‘24’ but this film demonstrates that this pretty young woman is filled with talent. For a role like this the inclination for the actor may me to go over the top, especially during the scenes that define the breakdown. Ms Aylesworth has a masterful control over her performance. She gets the point across without letting the character become melodramatic. She makes this a film that is above any Lifetime flick with the same topic. She possesses a sweetness and honesty that carries the film. The audience can genuinely care for Letty on an emotional level. Male lead Bruno Campos is also a familiar face to television watchers. This is the right vehicle for him to show his ability and grow in his craft. So many powerful actors have taken on the role of the wacky but loving in-patient that it is a nod to Campos’ ability that he creates a new approach to the character.

If you are not fortunate enough to have a little art house cinema near by be thankful for MTI Home Video. The have been specializing in films that may be smaller in budget and notability but ahead of the pack in talent. I always look forward to when I have to review one of their titles. I can be sure that there will be quality presented. This is such a case. This film is so much better than most of the same old thing that the bigger studios rehash and retread constantly. The film is warm, honest and well acted. This is one that will become one of those films that you will fondly watch for years to come.

Posted 09/11/07