Manic (2003)

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In Theaters: April 25, 2003 (limited)

May 9, 2003 (limited)

R | 1h 40m | Drama

Lyle Jensen (Gordon-Levitt) is filled with rage. A rage that by age 17 has begun to manifest itself in explosive violence. After an intense fight with a classmate, Lyle finds himself committed to a juvenile mental institution in lieu of criminal prosecution.

And so begins a journey filled with a menagerie of fascinating characters and provocative situations that lead Lyle down paths of self-exploration towards a quest for meaning in life.

Upon his arrival in Northwood Mental Institution, Lyle finds himself forced to deal with other patients in frequent group therapy situations: Chad (Bacall), a 17 year old with a bi-polar personality disorder, a regular at the institution and soon to be Lyle’s best friend.

Tracey (Deschanel), a haunted, quiet, 16-year-old beauty that Lyle is instantly attracted to. Sara (Rivas), a rebellious, intelligent, recovering drug addict who has taken Tracey under her wing and voices her opinion freely and vocally.

Michael (Henson) , Lyle’s instant nemesis, a white kid who thinks he's black, a compulsive liar, and a recovering drug addict. And 12-year-old Kenny (Lightning), who Lyle identifies with instantly. At the head of the round table is a staff psychiatrist faced with the task of bringing order and peace to this challenging group of teens.