Movie Review ... Mental

 

 

‘Mental’ marks a brave departure for writer/director PJ Hogan.  Filming a comedy about mental illness is something not many would do although Hogan gives it a fair go.  Unfortunately despite the efforts of an energetic cast, it fails to properly gel.  Perhaps expectations were high from the ‘Muriel’s Wedding’ helmer that he would craft another crowd-pleaser.  With a rather serious subject matter this is hardly the case as his well of ideas seemingly running dry.

Barry (Anthony LaPaglia) is the mayor of a coastal community with a less than picturesque life.  When his wife Shirley (Rebecca Gibney) suffers a nervous breakdown, he is left in charge of his large family.  Each having their issues with reality, he seeks the help of Shaz (Toni Collette) who is hitch-hiking through town.  An adventurous individual, Shaz’s presence has a marked effect over the rather unstable house-hold.

Whilst having occasionally amusing moments ‘Mental’ is a rather depressing affair.  The mix of comedy and drama simply doesn’t work with a continual narrative conflictions.  Although its examination of the character’s various psychological narcissisms is interesting the humour generally falls flat.  Its biggest fault is the over-use of cheap crude gags in place of genuine wit.  There’s room for some satirical quality within the story but this potential is never utilised.

Another draw-back is the leaden pacing.  Making an already morose film feel seemingly endless this highlights the lack of laughs.  Only Collette appears to have any fun with her role adding much spark.  The rest of her co-stars over-act their clichéd characters to the hilt with the American style ‘feel-good’ elements in the script jarring. 

‘Mental’ is an overlong and turgid affair amounting to very little.  A shame as PJ Hogan usually has a fine eye for comedic flair.  Sadly it’s missing here with one of its few good points being the closing credits signalling the end of a movie audiences may struggle to get through.

Movie Review Rating out of 10:  3

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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