Entre la razón y la locura

My wife and I watched this at home on DVD from our public library. All the actors are very good in their roles, and especially Sean Penn as the "madman." My only gripe is his mumbling which required us to turn on the subtitles to be sure we knew what he was saying.

This movie is very historically accurate, as the movie opens in 1872 London we see Sean Penn as American Civil War veteran Dr. William Chester Minor, chasing down and shooting a man he thought was out to get him. At his trial he was declared innocent by reason of insanity then spent the next 38 years in an English mental institution.

At that same time Mel Gibson as James Murray had been put in charge of assembling the comprehensive Oxford Dictionary of the English language, a monumental task that eventually took several decades to complete, carrying on after Murray died. It turned out Minor had experience and skills that helped greatly and eventually the two became friends even though Minor remained institutionalized. He eventually returned to the USA and was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

This is an important chapter in human history, the writing of the comprehensive dictionary, and it was nice to learn what all went into it with some good points about human nature and the ability to forgive.

I wasn't thrilled about a biographical film story regarding a dictionary, but this one impressed me! Who would've though to know the history behind a dictionary?

Farhad Safinia makes his first full length feature film debut as writer and director, and nailed it. Produced by and also starring Mel Gibson - who was also great in his role, this film was directed exceptionally well, and the writing was good. I felt the screenplay was all over the place in a few areas, and the 124 min length a little too long for the story being told. I'm not a fan of slow paced films, but this one was just right. Casting was great, including Game of Thrones' Natalie Dormer, but wow did Sean Penn give an Oscar-worthy performance in his role as Dr. Minor. Glad to see him back on the big screen. The score was perfect and the sets/costumes on point for the era.

This is by no means an action packed Hollywood blockbuster, but instead a historical biopic produced extremely well, and a must-see.

A well deserved 9/10 from me.

It's apparent that unless there are s'plosions and CGI, the imbecilic critics (and most marvel fans) will hate it. This is a timeless film; well acted, a slice of history often forgotten. It should be seen by anyone with sense.

Who ar ethe wahoos who determine these things? Sean penn most certainly deserved a nod at the best actor categories supported or main. A great period piece of a unknown story of something every single one of us have used in our lives. Available on Netflix.

I haven't seen a movie this good for around 10 years. Truly unbelievable performances from Penn and Gibson. I was balling my eyes out from half way though. Thank god there are still film makers out there who understand the art form.