Mental

Mental is a quirky, yet profoundly resonating Australian comedy-drama directed by PJ Hogan that seamlessly blends humorous elements with thought-provoking themes of mental health and the societal imposition of "normalcy". Released in 2012, the film boasts performances from accomplished actors such as Toni Collette, Anthony LaPaglia, and Liev Schreiber, who breathe life into characters navigating through the chaos and idiosyncrasies of their lives.

The story gravitates around the Moochmore family, who reside in a seaside town in Australia. The family includes the father, Barry Moochmore (Anthony LaPaglia), a local politician, the mentally ill mother, Shirley Moochmore (Rebecca Gibney), and their five daughters - Coral, Michelle, Jane, Leanne, and Kayleen. When the pressure of her illness becomes unbearable, Shirley is sent away for psychiatric care, leaving the daughters under the reluctant care of their father who struggles to balance his political career with his responsibilities at home.

In a desperate move, Barry picks up a hitchhiker, Shaz (Toni Collette), and appoints her as a nanny to take care of his daughters. Shaz is an outlandish, eccentric woman, shrouded in a past filled with mystery. She carries a knife for protection and has a dog named Ripper, who she claims is her psychiatrist. With Shaz's arrival, the Moochmore house is turned upside down, forever changing their lives.

Under Shaz's unconventional tutelage, the girls are taught to embrace their individual quirks and stand up against the oppressive societal norms. Shaz introduces them to a world they were oblivious to, a world that celebrates differences rather than ostracizing them. Meanwhile, Shaz’s character isn't drawn in plain white and black. Collette breathes authenticity into Shaz, revealing her complexities and making her both lovable and unpredictable.

Barry Moochmore, portrayed by Anthony LaPaglia, is portrayed as a befuddled yet ambitious man wrestling with his personal and professional life. As his political commitments grow, he grapples with underlying guilt and frustration for neglecting his family, significantly contributing to the well-rounded portrayal of a family in crisis.

Liev Schreiber plays Trevor Blundell, a shark hunter and rustic Aussie bloke, who adds another layer of eccentricity and intrigue to the storyline. His mysterious nature unfolds gradually and ends up being a pivotal element in the narrative.

Mental takes the audience on a whirlwind journey, questioning societal conventions of what's normal and how those who don't fit the mold are often labeled as mental. It highlights the dynamics of a family that's not conventionally perfect but is held together by love despite its flaws. It also explores the thin line between sanity and insanity, challenging the stigma associated with mental illness.

PJ Hogan, who has an impressive array of films under his belt including 'Muriel's Wedding', once again teams up with Toni Collette to deliver a film that's not just a comedy but a discursive narrative on mental health. The director's personal experience with mental health issues in his family gives the story an authentic feel, successfully converting an often serious and sensitive topic into a film full of wit, hilarity, and poignant moments.

From a technical perspective, the film showcases excellent cinematography with the beautiful Australian coastal landscape forming a perfect backdrop for the narrative. The music, a great mix of Australian classics and catchy original compositions, provides an emotional anchor to the plot's ups and downs.

Despite its humor, Mental is not your standard comedy. It's a daring, thought-stimulating film that delves into the seldom-explored subject of mental health, managing to do so with an incredible amount of humor, warmth, and quirkiness. Its strong performances, unique characters, engaging plot, and unconventional themes make Mental a memorable movie that battles the norms of societal conventions with a satirical twist.