Lunatics' Ball, The - 1999
Michael Thorp/NZFC Production - 88 min.
Cast: Russel Walder, Jane Irwin, Sarah Ashworth, Michael Daly, Alan De Malmacher.
Editor and Screenplay: Michael Thorp; Photography: Neil Cervin; Art Director: Katherine Claypole; Makeup and Hair styles: Abigail Donogh & Sharon Hewgill; Effects Makeup & Prosthetics: Sean Foote; Production Mangaer: Katie Monroe ; Composer: Peter Scholes; Music performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra; organist: Douglas Mews; Vocals: New Zealand National Youth Choir and Voices NZ; Produced & Directed by: Michael Thorp.
A psychologist with unconventional methods challenges a psychiatric hospital and win the admiration and love of a doctor, but he pulls back due to finding that he has only a short time to live. He achieves mixed results with his patients, but ultimately achieves a measure of love and recognition. A true labor of love, this film was started on a meagre $50,000 and was completed still spending less than $500,000. One has to wonder what would have been the result if serious money had been available. Well worth seeing, if you can find it. Lead, Russel Walder, formerly with Windham Hill, plays oboe in some scenes. Recommend.
Censor Rating: M -- Review Rating: C+
