Broadmoor: A History of the Criminally Insane

Broadmoor: A History of the Criminally Insane is an intense and haunting documentary that debuted in 2013, providing an all-encompassing peek into one of the world’s most famous high-security psychiatric facilities, The Broadmoor Hospital, located in Crowthorne, Berkshire, England. Rather than merely exploiting the sensational aspects of a subject like this, the film delves into a rich tapestry of historical context, individual narratives, and a comprehensive exploration of the changing societal attitudes toward mental illness and criminality.

The film features notable professionals, including David Wilson, a well-respected professor of criminology; Mark Stevens, a historian with extensive knowledge about the background of the Broadmoor Hospital; and Trevor Turner, a former Clinical Director at the institution. Their continues and insightful commentary adds academic heft to the film, grounding the vivid stories within the overarching themes of criminal justice, medical ethics, and human rights.

Broadmoor: A History of the Criminally Insane opens by examining the conception of Broadmoor in the mid-1800s, against a backdrop of a society grappling with how to handle the criminally insane. It was a groundbreaking development, replacing prison cells and public asylums with a dedicated facility designed to provide the criminally insane with an environment more akin to a hospital than a jail. Through this history, the film highlights the evolution of how society perceives and treats those on the edge of sanity and morality.

Throughout the film, a series of case studies are presented, detailing a number of Broadmoor’s inmates, past and present. Each story is as fascinating as it is chilling, offering a humanizing perspective that often gets lost in discussions surrounding criminal insanity. These accounts are artfully weaved into the larger narrative, presenting a poignant glimpse into each individual’s life and circumstances. It’s an empathetic portrayal of humanity’s often-overlooked segment.

Broadmoor: A History of the Criminally Insane also dives deep into the medical and administrative aspects highlighting the practical challenges of running a facility like Broadmoor. It offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the hospital, from extensive patient care routines to rigorous security protocols necessary to manage its diverse patient population. A central emphasis is given on the staff's constant balance in providing therapeutic care to their patients while also ensuring the safety of the broader public.

One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to provoke thought on controversial and complex subjects. It delves into questions such as what it means to be classified as criminally insane, how to best treat such individuals, and how society should balance the desire for punishment versus rehabilitation. It examines the implications of diagnosing someone as criminally insane and how this label can alter the course of a person's life. It questions whether an institution like Broadmoor is more of a punitive or therapeutic entity, sparking a discussion on the state's role in dealing with individuals who have committed heinous acts due to their mental illness.

Visually, the film makes effective use of atmospheric shots of the iconic Victorian-era Broadmoor building, alongside a multitude of historical documents, photographs, and staged re-enactments. The haunting soundtrack amplifies the documentary's overall sense of foreboding.

Whether viewers approach it from an historical, criminological, or psychological perspective, Broadmoor: A History of the Criminally Insane offers something for everyone. It's a documentary that captivates its audience with its depth and strikes a chord with the humanity it manages to infuse into a subject often shrouded in fear and misconception. Its potent mix of historical context, firsthand accounts, expert commentary, and ethical provocations ensures viewers are left with plenty to reflect upon long after the end credits roll.