Review of Crazy as Hell

What happens you're a psychiatrist in a mental facility and "Satan",himself Becomes your patient?well, that is the gist of this story,and it is brilliant.the movie is provocative,evocative and compelling.it brings up a multitude of questions,about life,psychiatry/psychology vs theology/religion and the meaning of existence.this is one thought provoking,deep experience.the screenplay is co-written by Jeremy Leven and Eric Jendresen adapted from Leven's own novel "Satan".Leven also wrote the screenplay for "the Notebook", "Alex and Emma", as well as "The Legend of Bagger Vance".Jendresen was the supervising producer for the mini-series "Band of Brothers" as well as the writer for 3 episodes.Michael Beach plays Dr.Ty Adams,the psychiatrist who suddenly becomes the therapist for Satan,himself.Eric La Salle(from E.R fame)not only stars as Satan,he also directs this masterpiece.Both beach and La Salle are brilliant in their respective roles.Beach as a man who starts to question first himself and then this sanity.We see his transformation from a self assured(on the surface) man with a near God complex(ironic,when Satan is your patient),to a complete wreck of a man who questions himself and his sanity,even reality.La Salle is masterful as his character very subtly and slowly,but surely, drives Dr Adams to insanity.La Salles performance is quietly understated,and minimalist,yet (from the beginning) with a hint of what his character is capable of.Add these two brilliant performances with a very strong supporting cast,and you have the ingredients for something special.however,once you add La s Salle's contribution as director,you reach a whole new level.La Salle knows how to get the best from his actors,.where to place the camera,the look of the film. how to create tension and atmosphere.the film is very stylish to be sure,but is heavy on substance as well.La Salle balances the two perfectly,creating just the right mixture.this is not a horror movie,but more of a psychological suspense thriller.if you are expecting frenetic action,you won't find it here.the movie is very dramatic,and may move too slow for some.but if you like a movie that will make you think and may even challenge you beliefs,this is your movie. 10/10