Watch Blue/Orange

Blue/Orange is a thought-provoking drama film released in 2005, directed by Howard Davies and based on a play of the same name by Joe Penhall. It features an all-star cast including Brian Cox, John Simm, and Shaun Parkes, who deliver captivating and nuanced performances. The storyline revolves around the central character of Christopher, who is a young black man under the care of a psychiatric hospital being assessed for mental illness. Christopher is a complex and multi-faceted character with many layers which keep unfolding throughout the film. He is an intelligent and charismatic individual, making it difficult to decipher the truth about him.

The film is primarily focused on the interactions between three central characters – consultant psychiatrist Dr. Robert Smith, his young and ambitious protégé Dr. Bruce Flaherty, and the aforementioned patient Christopher. These three individuals become embroiled in a heated and controversial debate about Christopher's diagnosis and treatment.

Brian Cox plays the role of Dr. Robert Smith, a consultant psychiatrist with a wealth of experience in the profession. Dr. Smith is a calm and measured individual who is initially resistant to Christopher's diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. He argues that Christopher's condition may not be an illness in the traditional sense, but rather a result of societal pressures and racism. Cox delivers a powerful performance, and his conflict with Dr. Flaherty brings an interesting dynamic to the story.

John Simm plays the role of Dr. Bruce Flaherty, a young and ambitious psychiatric registrar who sees Christopher as a fascinating case study. Flaherty is keen to make his mark in the medical profession, and believes that the diagnosis of schizophrenia is the correct one for Christopher. He is quick to dismiss Dr. Smith's opinions and tries to discredit him at every opportunity. Simm's performance is excellent, bringing a youthful confidence and an arrogance to the character.

Shaun Parkes plays the role of Christopher, the young patient at the center of the story. Christopher is intelligent and articulate, making it difficult to determine whether he is truly mentally ill or not. Parkes skillfully portrays Christopher's vulnerability, wit, and subtle manipulation, leaving the audience wondering what is fact or fiction.

The film addresses many themes that are important to our society today, particularly those of race, psychiatric treatment, and mental illness. The discussion surrounding whether Christopher is truly mentally ill or not, brings into question the validity of diagnosis in psychiatry, particularly in regard to race. The film also highlights the fragility of the human psyche and how easily one can be affected by societal and environmental factors.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its claustrophobic atmosphere. Almost the entire film is set within the confines of the psychiatric hospital, with the characters weaving in and out of the same spaces throughout. This creates a sense of tension, making the audience feel as though they are in the same room as the characters, experiencing the emotional stress of the situation.

The cinematography and use of color are also noteworthy. The film is shot in a muted color palette, reflecting the clinical setting and the seriousness of the topic. However, there are occasional bursts of color, particularly with the use of blue and orange, which add a sense of vibrancy and life to the otherwise sterile setting.

Overall, Blue/Orange is a must-see film for anyone interested in mental health, psychiatry, race, and societal pressures. Brian Cox, John Simm, and Shaun Parkes deliver exceptional performances, making for a tense and thought-provoking experience. The film is a testament to the complexities and nuances of mental illness, and the importance of questioning diagnosis and treatment.

Blue/Orange is a 2005 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.