ASYLUM

Year: 2005
USA: Paramount Classics
UK: Momentum Theatrical
Cast: Natasha Richardson, Ian McKellen, Marton Csokas, Hugh Bonneville, Judy Parfitt, Sean Harris, Joss Ackland, Susie Gossling Valerio, Julia Hickman, Rhydian Jones, Augustus Jeremiah Lewis, Jason Thornton, Wanda Ventham, Robert Willox
Director: David Mackenzie
Countries: UK / Ireland
USA & UK: 100 mins
USA Rated: R for strong sexuality, some violence and brief language
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong sex, violence and language
USA Release Date: 12 August 2005 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 9 September 2005


Synopsis

ASYLUM is a story of erotic obsession concerning a beautiful woman Stella Raphael (Natasha Richardson) who desperately desires to find in romantic love the one thing that will change everything.

In the late 1950s, when her husband Max (Hugh Bonneville) takes up his post as deputy superintendent of a psychiatric hospital, Stella Raphael (Natasha Richardson) and her young son, Charlie (Augustus Jeremiah Lewis), are brought to live on the grounds of the remote asylum. Stella is soon drawn to charismatic inmate, Edgar Stark (Marton Csokas). Undeterred by the warnings of her husband's colleague, Dr Cleave (Ian McKellen), Stella is prepared to risk everything to be with Edgar. Their passionate affair escalates as obsession begins to threaten Stella's love, her sanity and her very life. Having taken the risk, there is no turning back!

ASYLUM is David Mackenzie's third feature following the acclaimed Young Adam and his debut The Last Great Wilderness. Based on Patrick McGrath's celebrated novel of the same name and adapted for the screen by award-winning writer Patrick Marber (Closer), ASYLUM received its world premiere at the 2005 Berlin Film Festival.