This is a 98 minute long documentary that is directed by John Kastner, produced by the National Film Board of Canada. The film explores the issue of mental illness in relation to the criminal act committed by Sean Clifton. It explores the violent altercation that included him stabbing a woman multiple times at a Wal-Mart. The film explores the basic criminal process that occurred that led to Clifton being declared not criminally responsible, being sent to a mental hospital and dealing with his life after that.
In exploring this story, it is important to note that only Sean and his roommates stories are focused on. While it is necessary to note that this is a film about mentally ill individuals, it should not be considered to encompass all forms of mental illness nor all all individuals.
Having just watched the film, it is important to identify that the story is written to be heartwarming, in that it follows Sean's rehabilitation and reintegration and how mental illness for him is controllable. The insertion of comedic lines by the various individuals in the film allow for some relief from the truly horrific actions that did occur. The victim, and her family represent the opposing view. It is plain to see that they are still affected by the violence that occurred, as they should be, and because of this they present an alternate view to the filmmaker's and Sean and the hospital staff.
The differing viewpoints and the chronological story telling allow for a deeper look at the impact that mental illness can have on an individual, allowing them to be overtaken by "another" force that they cannot control.
It seems to detract from the current Canadian governments ideas surrounding mental health, which are incarceration rather than rehabilitation, and decreased funding for mental health asylums. This documentary does not explore the deeper social issues that are simply mentioned (his failure with women, homeless with mental health issues benefiting from entering the criminal system).
On the whole, it was definitely watchable, with adequate intellectual stimulation and entertainment that has a message that it aims to present, and would definitely be worth a watch if you have any interest in the criminalization of the mentally ill or rehabilitative practises.
