55 Steps

Inevitably, some will avoid a film about mental illness and patients' rights for fear of it being "worthy" or "depressing". And, sure, this is undoubtedly the kind of story that used to be packaged for "disease of the week" telemovies. What elevates "55 Steps" above that lowly status is an extraordinary performance by Helena Bonham Carter as Eleanor Riese. It's not only a detailed, sensitive and touching portrayal of a woman with mental illness, but a smart, masterful exercise in calibrating a performance that balances both drama and comedy so that a difficult and potentially alienating subject becomes entertaining and ultimately uplifting. It takes an actor with incredible skill and range to pull off such a feat, and Bonham Carter is one of only a handful who could do it. That in the past few years she's also convincingly played roles as disparate as Elizabeth Taylor and Madame Thenardier demonstrates what a remarkable actor HBC has become. But this may be her best performance yet. Well worth seeing.

Exceptional, inspiring story that is exceptionally, poignantly told. Bonham Carter embodies this most dignified of heroines, who withstood inhumane treatment beyond all reason and yet retained her own captivating humanity. Eleanor Riese was a warrior. Thank you to all the women and men who persevered to make and win her case and later, to get this unforgettable movie made.

55 Steps tells the very important story of Eleanor Riese and her personal and legal struggle to gain control over her medical treatment and her life. Helena Bonham Carter is amazing as Eleanor. The movie is based on Eleanor's legal case and the efforts of her lawyers but is really about Eleanor's growing friendship with her lawyer Colette Hughes, played by Hilary Swank in a typically strong performance.

When I saw this movie, I didn't have an idea as to what to expect. I clicked it because I saw HBC plus, Hillary Swank... I mean come on, those 2? Who wouldn't be interested in a movie that has them as the lead stars... Ok so, Helena gave an award-worthy acting on this movie. She was impeccable! I couldn't say much about hillary because her acting here is just ok, her role didn't really bring out the best of her acting ability. All in all, you should see this film because of the powerful message it wants to convey! I highly recommend this.

I watched this movie with more than 65 Patients Rights Advocates at our annual CAMHPRA meeting. We thank you all for making the film, it reaffirms our passion for the struggle of Patient Rights and their Civil Rights The Actors should be given awards and in my opinion big abrazos for protraying Eleanor and Collette and Mort (RIP we miss you so much). and for bringing to light an issue that everyone takes for granted. We know the battle was long and heart breaking but we thank you for the end results. We may not always win but when we win our clients win big. Please watch the film. Please support the mentally ill, we all break at one time or another and we need to support each other. I highly recommend this film Gloria h/fresno