hellocrocodile

I find what hooks me to a movie are complex and interesting characters I can relate to, and this movie didn't offer that for me. Nobody was likeable. Even from the opening where we have a villainous character delivering a monologue, he was not even interesting, I didn't want to know much more about him, I just wanted him to stop talking. Not even the child who just lost his mother could elicit my sympathy, he was just so flat. Nicole Kidman seemed to just be playing a mom from stockphotos. It was unbearable to watch any more of it past the 20 minute mark.

55 Steps is an inspiring legal drama about a victim of psychiatric "care" seeking legislative protection from forced medication on behalf of the mentally ill. Hillary Swank, who is always great to watch, does not disappoint as the patient rights advocacy lawyer fighting for a just cause, but I was pleasantly surprised by how believable the often-typecast Helena Bonham Carter's dynamic and nuanced performance was as real-life plaintiff Eleanor Riese. This film is sure to be underrated but you definitely shouldn't miss it if you or anyone you know has experienced being inside a mental hospital.