Mary/Mary

In this film, Manny, a paranoid schizophrenic, struggles with his relationships around him and his internal thoughts and beliefs. He tries to maintain normal relationships with his friends, but eventually his neurosis and paranoia seep into his friends' relationship through Manny's `philosophizes' on love, sex, and relationships. He has a very blunt, harsh view of life and says what he thinks, which is a downfall at times. When he meets the second Mary, his life seems to turn around, until his obsessions get the better of him. (The director/writer was at our screening of the film, and he said the name Mary was chosen because of the Virgin Mary/Mary Magdalene and their similarities and differences to the Marys in the story.) This film is about how mental illness affects those around Manny, and how not he, but those around him that he cares about feel the repercussions. It is an interesting view of mental illness and how low rock bottom really is. The ending does not solve all the problems, and the viewer is left to decide what will happen next. An enjoyable film, some great ideas. 8/10