MANIC

Year: 2001
USA: IFC Films
Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Bacall, Zooey Deschanel, Cody Lightning, Elden Henson, Sara Rivas, Don Cheadle, Adrienne Rollo, Maggie Baird, Blayne Weaver, Lydell M Cheshier, Roxie Fuller, Bree Nogueira, Kathy Paradise, Lauren Shubert, William Richert, Ben Markham, Travis Sutton, Nic Henley, Julie Remala, Van Epperson, Jamielyn Kane, Michael O'Neil, Victoria Scott, Joey Herandez, Portia Medina, Swede Adamson, Stephan Maloney, Sean Tippins
Director: Jordan Melamed
Country: USA
USA: 100 mins
USA Rated: Rated R for disturbing violent content, strong language and some drug use
USA Release Date: 25 April 2003 (Limited Release)


Synopsis

Lyle is filled with rage. After badly beating a classmate during a schoolyard fight, Lyle is committed to a juvenile mental institution in lieu of criminal prosecution. Inside the hospital, Lyle encounters a group of adolescents struggling with a variety of illnesses. The troubled teens are under the watchful eye of their psychiatrist, Dave, a reformed drug addict. As these complex youths, fight to overcome a series of emotionally charged events we are constantly reminded of the thin line that separates them from their "sane" friends in suburban lives. The story deals directly and candidly with the issues of teen violence and alienation among today's youth.