On the surface and indeed in the opening act, Stonehearst Asylum offers much promise. Based on The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether by Edgar Allen Poe, with performances from Sir Ben Kingsley, Michael Caine, Brendan Gleeson and directed by Brad Anderson (The Machinist, Transsiberian), could this be a hidden gem? The short answer is no. Read on for the long one.
THE MOVIE
The film is set at the end of the 19th Century with the newly graduated Dr Edward Newgate (Jim Sturgess) visiting Stonehearst Asylum, intent on observing the methods of the psychiatrists there. He is met with open hostility by the groundskeeper Mickey (David Thewlis) and notes a strange atmosphere around the place. He finally comes face to face with Dr Silas Lamb (Ben Kingsley). While being shown the doctor’s unusual approach to treatments, Edward meets and becomes fixated with a patient named Eliza (Kate Beckinsale). The open door policy at the asylum baffles Edward, and as he investigates the asylum, he finds some inmates locked away in the basement. Claiming to be the real staff of the facility, a revolt has seemingly placed the inmates in charge. Edward is left trying to figure out who is telling the truth as his relationship with Eliza develops and Dr. Lamb’s treatments continue on the inmates.
Suspicion, intrigue, a gothic setting, and a host of experienced and quality actors… so why does it all fall flat? Basically, the script. It strives to craft a film with twists, but is very predictable. The script is hollow, coming across at times as Shutter Island-lite. It has difficulty balancing the tone of the film, veering from quirky kooky to an attempt to be more horrific. Juxtaposing such elements can create a very unsettling effect if done correctly. Here it fails abysmally, defusing the film of any tension or suspense. Themes are there to be explored and it occasionally flirts with getting interesting but never does, instead going back into a predictable, mundane affair despite a number of twists thrown in. It is not an out and out horror film, but rather attempting to be a disturbing thriller, albeit, without the thrills.
The film occasionally touches on the horror of the situation, the state of the inmates and references to old Victorian medicine are some parts where interest might have been piqued but are never fleshed out. Additionally, it touches on the degradation of women back in this period, where sexuality and natural bodily functions were often labelled illnesses. These themes are glanced upon and never explored making the shallowness of the venture only more evident.
On a positive note, the film is actually rather handsome. The production values seem high, with sets and decor looking authentic and offering up a great setting for a gothic tale. It is a shame the substance was not there to match the visuals.
The film shows a frankly egregious misuse of a remarkable cast. Getting Kinglsey, Gleeson, Thewlis and Cusack on board is an impressive feat in itself. I only assume they did not read the script before committing. Notice I omit “lead” Jim Sturgess from that list as the man is devoid of any presence. I have no idea how such an uncharismatic actor keeps getting work. Kate Beckinsale is fine in her role but again, given little of substance script-wise.
THE PACKAGEAs mentioned, the film looks pretty great and Blu-ray showcases this well. Dark tones transfer well, colors are vibrant and details come through nicely.
The extras are few. There’s a trailer and a short Making of featurette where the players (unconvincingly) explain what drew them to the project intercut with behind the scenes footage.
THE BOTTOM LINEDespite it’s potential, Stonehearst Asylym is a hammy affair that squanders a solid cast and good production values with laughable tension and a dull lead. A flat and disappointing effort.
Stonehearst Asylum is available on Blu-ray from December 16th, a link to purchase via Amazon is below.