Rating: R
Genre:
Drama
Theatrical Release: 05/09/2003(USA
Release Date: 01/20/2004
SubTitles: English/Espanol
Dubbed: English
Sound: DDS2.0
Run Time: 100 Minutes
Flags: Violence, Profanity, Substance Abuse (Alcohol, Drugs), Watch With Your Teen
Distributor/Studio: MGM
This first feature for filmmaker
Jordan Melamed uses the verite style of the
Dogme 95 movement for a hard-hitting drama centering on a group of troubled teens. Taking place entirely in a psychiatric ward, the film opens with Lyle (
Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who has chosen to accept calm in the wake of being treated for wounds due to a violent outburst from a fight that left another young man in horrible shape. Learning that he won't be taken home by his mother, he is transferred instead to a juvenile lockdown facility and deemed a menace to society. After being sedated during an episode, he wakes up to a room shared by Kenny (
Cody Lightning), a 12-year old child molester. Lyle is put off by his new surroundings and refuses to befriend the other inmates or cooperate with the patient, weary Dr. Monroe (
Don Cheadle). But Lyle soon begins to adapt to his new life, meeting Chad (
Michael Bacall), a bipolar case with an impending release who lures Lyle into a plan for an escape. Lyle also finds solace in Tracy (
Zooey Deschanel), a young girl plagued with nightmares and self-mutilation, who finds herself drawn to him as well.
Manic also features
Elden Henson,
Sara Rivas, and
Blayne Weaver in supporting roles.
~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide
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