The film 55 STEPS (2017) streaming on Netflix is based on the true story of Eleanore Riese, a psychiatric patient whose legal case against hospital administration's right to administer medication or treatments to patients without their knowledge or consent. This "cause celebre'"case was filed in SF in 1985, settled in 1987. It ruled in favor of patients involuntarily detained in mental hospitals in CA to not be administered antipsychotic drugs without the patient's consent unless they've been determined incompetent by a judge This was never a major news story or issue impacting a broad population. Riese (played erratically by Bonham Carter) was told by her free legal representative, Colette Hughes, that her case spoke for 150,000 other patients in the state. (How did Riese have the wherewithal to call for legal aid while institutionalized, I wondered.) Perhaps, the lackluster legal matter was not a justifiable reason to warrant a major film project. The film was DOA as it proved a financial flop at the box office; grossing virtually nothing. Perhaps, movie executives surmised they'd appeal to the masses with casting. Swank, (Acad. Award winner "Million Dollar Baby") as the empathetic, saintly workaholic paired with Bonham Carter (Acad. Award nom. "King's Speech") to give gravitas, provide pathos and garner audience appeal. The exes threw in comedic actor Jeffrey Tambor, (Emmy winner "Transparent") for adde appeal as co-counsel for Riese. Alas, the star casting was a waste. The scenes were awash in a maudlin mess. Tambor was lost in this strait-laced, underdeveloped role. Swank who played an altruistic attorney seemed too good to be believed. However, she provided an earnest, likable persona. The major flaw was Bonham Carter's portrayal of Riese. Her character went in and out of seeming "sane" to being annoyingly ingratiating to a pathetic, lonely woman vying for perpetual attention. Thefriendship which developed between the two offered little payoff. Neither did the legal victory (when it finally came) weigh in with impact. The film was erratic from inception to end. The scenes felt stagey and disjointed. The title 55 STEPS came from the counted steps Riese climbed to reach the courtroom. Counting steps was meant as one of Riese's endearing, eceentric antics as was her penchant for drinking and offering 7Up. (Was there product placement payoff here, I wonder). Still, I'm glad Riese and her admirable attorney prevailed. You'll appreciate my pro bona review as I tell you NOT to start, this well intentioned but out-of order film. It fails to touch the heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Don't be shy, let me know what you think