10 Days in a Madhouse

10 Days in a Madhouse is a captivating 2015 drama film that sets out to visualize the real-life events surrounding one of the most audacious, pioneering women in American journalism, Nellie Bly. The film features Caroline Barry in the role of Nellie Bly, Christopher Lambert as Dr. Dent, and Kelly LeBrock as Miss Grant, and is directed by Timothy Hines.

The movie is an adaptation of Bly's book, Ten Days in a Mad-House, which chronicles her investigative reporting for Joseph Pulitzer's New York World. Nellie Bly, just 23 years old at the time, feigned insanity to infiltrate and report on the substandard and inhumane conditions of the Women's Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island.

The film opens with Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Cochran, from a quiet Pennsylvania town, arriving in 1887 New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. During this period, journalism was largely a male-dominated field, and women writers were heavily marginalized and reduced to cover fashion or parties. However, Bly was determined to carve a place for herself in the world of investigative journalism, and she does so with the courage, tenacity, and resilience that far exceeds her years.

Taking center stage, Caroline Barry captures the essence of Nellie Bly, her fearlessness, her ambition, her relentless determination to expose the truth. Alongside her is Christopher Lambert, who gives a chilling performance as Dr. Dent, the head of the asylum, whose treatment of the patients is far from ethical or merciful. Kelly LeBrock, in her role as Miss Grant, Ely's outpatient sponsor, offers a subtle but impactful performance.

The core of the story unfolds when Bly willingly gets herself committed to the Blackwell's Island Insane Asylum for Women to expose the shocking truth of what transpires within those walls. Over ten days, she manages to bear witness to the horrific treatment experienced by the patients, many of whom, she realizes, are not even mentally ill but are victims of societal neglect, indifference, misogyny, and corruption.

The film's direction is noteworthy as it presents not just the external challenges Bly faced, but also her internal journey, her fears, her anxieties, her triumphs, and her resolve. The exploration of her character adds great depth to the narrative and allows the audience to invest emotionally in her journey. The cinematography adeptly creates an atmosphere of claustrophobia and dread within the asylum walls, which strikingly contrasts with the world outside. The costumes, the setting, and the music, all contribute to recreating the late 19th Century New York, enhancing the viewing experience.

10 Days in a Madhouse does justice to the legacy of Nellie Bly by not only highlighting her bravery and journalistic prowess but also by bringing attention to her fight against gender bias. Bly’s story serves as a remarkable reminder of journalism's power in instigating reform and justice, making the movie not only a historical piece but also a commentary on journalistic ethics and women's rights.

However, it's not just about journalism; it is also about how society treats women and those perceived as mentally ill. The movie sheds light on the derogatory treatment, abuse, and injustice faced by the women in the asylum, and is a strong critique of the mental healthcare system of the time.

Caroline Barry as Nellie Bly does an exceptional job in carrying most of the movie on her shoulders and bringing life to a historical character. Christopher Lambert successfully emanates an ominous aura in his role as the hateful doctor. Kelly LeBrock's nuanced performance adds layers to the narrative.

10 Days in a Madhouse is an incredibly thought-provoking film that offers a powerful history lesson about a time and place that modern audiences may find hard to fathom. It reminds us of a brave woman whose actions led to a significant reformation in mental health care. In 111 minutes of run time, the viewers travel back to a time of uncertainty, prejudice, and striking bravery. It's not always a comfortable journey, but it’s an important one, guided by the incredible spirit and courage of Nellie Bly.