Mental (2012 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | P. J. Hogan |
| Products | Comedy-drama motion picture |
Mental is a 2012 comedy-drama motion picture written and helmed by P. J. Hogan, featuring performances from Toni Collette, Anthony LaPaglia, Liev Schreiber, and Rebecca Gibney. The story follows a hitchhiker who, upon becoming the caretaker for five adolescent girls, profoundly alters the dynamics of their family. Their mother has suffered a breakdown due to her husband's political pursuits and infidelity.
The film had its debut as the closing feature at the 61st Melbourne International Film Festival on 18 August 2012, followed by its theatrical release across Australia on 4 October 2012. It received eight nominations at the 2nd AACTA Awards and achieved a box office gross of $4.4 million.
Plot
In the Australian seaside suburb of Dolphin Heads resides Shirley Moochmoore, mother to five daughters who are each convinced they have mental health issues. Shirley is married to Barry, a local politician, but after exhibiting unstable behavior she is admitted to a psychiatric institution. Barry instructs his children to tell others that their mother is "vacationing in Wollongong".
Barry hires a tough hitchhiker named Shaz to look after the family. With a no-nonsense attitude, accompanied by her dog Ripper and a concealed knife in her boot, Shaz imposes order and encourages the girls to stand up to local antagonists such as their aunt Doris and the elitist neighbor Nancy. She challenges their perceptions of sanity by teaching that conventional norms are often irrational and leads them on a symbolic mountain climb as a metaphor for overcoming challenges.
Shaz also motivates Coral, the eldest daughter, to explore a romantic relationship with Trout, a lifeguard employed at the aquatic theme park where Coral works under eccentric shark hunter Trevor Blundell. Under Shaz’s guidance, Coral and Trout’s connection strengthens.
Shaz compels Barry to actively participate in family matters and pursue treatment for Michelle, whose diagnosis of genuine schizophrenia requires attention. The family reunites at the mental health facility where Shirley confronts Barry about his infidelities and declares she will no longer back his political ambitions.
Trevor discloses that Shaz is his mentally ill former wife who believes their deceased daughter's spirit inhabits a preserved shark displayed in his exhibit. Despite Trevor’s attempts to move forward, Shaz refuses psychiatric care and trails him from one town to another. Barry eventually has Shaz arrested and placed in the same institution as Shirley.
The Moochmore sisters orchestrate Shaz’s escape by assisting her in stealing Trevor’s pickled shark. Trevor pursues them and intercepts Shaz as she tries to release the shark back into the sea; both vanish underwater during this encounter.
At Barry's campaign launch event, the family unites in an uplifting rendition of "Edelweiss". In a final showdown with aunt Doris, Shaz sets fire to Doris’s doll room before fleeing, symbolizing her unpredictable strength and survival instinct.
Cast
- Toni Collette as Sharon "Shaz" Thornbender
- Anthony LaPaglia as Barry Moochmore
- Rebecca Gibney as Shirley Moochmore
- Lily Sullivan as Coral Moochmore
- Bethany Whitmore as Jane Moochmore
- Malorie O'Neill as Michelle Moochmore
- Chelsea Bennett as Kayleen Moochmore
- Nicole Freeman as Leanne Moochmore
- Liev Schreiber as Trevor Blundell
- Caroline Goodall as Doris
- Kerry Fox as Nancy
- Deborah Mailman as Sandra
- Sam Clark as Trout
- Sophie Lee as Jean
- Rob Carlton as Jack
Production
Director P. J. Hogan crafted the screenplay drawing inspiration from his mother's struggle with mental illness and his father's discreet efforts to safeguard his political career. A pivotal aspect of the story was influenced by Hogan's father hiring a hitchhiker to care for the family, a caretaker who remained with them for several months following his mother's recovery, as Hogan later recalled.
During the production of Muriel's Wedding, Hogan and his producer wife Jocelyn Moorhouse shared anecdotes about the real-life 'Shaz' with Toni Collette, who expressed enthusiasm for portraying the character should the film come to fruition. Additionally, Hogan's sister, diagnosed with schizophrenia, motivated him to depict such experiences to enhance public understanding.
Filming for Mental took place across multiple locations including Banora Point, Ballina, Evans Head, Tweed Heads in New South Wales, as well as Coolangatta and the Gold Coast in Queensland.
Reception
The film Mental garnered a variety of critical responses. By June 2020, it maintained a 44% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 55 reviews and an average score of 5.53 out of 10. The general consensus described it as "a well-acted dark comedy that struggles with inconsistent tone and uneven comedic execution."
On ABC TV's At the Movies, critics Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton offered contrasting opinions: Pomeranz awarded it four stars out of five, commending Hogan's skillful blend of grotesque humor and empathy; meanwhile, Stratton rated it two and a half stars, deeming it largely unsuccessful.
Leigh Paatsch from the Herald Sun delivered a scathing review, labeling the film a "genuine cinematic failure." In contrast, Craig Mathieson of The Age recognized its vigorous tackling of challenging subjects such as mental health and racial dynamics.
Luke Buckmaster of Crikey remarked on Hogan's uncertain tonal approach but appreciated the film’s frankness and its capacity to spark meaningful dialogue without resorting to didacticism.
Phillippa Hawker from the Canberra Times emphasized Toni Collette’s portrayal as the emotional core of the movie, skillfully merging incisive humor with heartfelt depth.
Awards and nominations
| Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| AACTA Award (2nd) |
Best Original Screenplay | P. J. Hogan | Template:Nom |
| Best Actress | Toni Collette | Template:Nom | |
| Best Supporting Actor | Liev Schreiber | Template:Nom | |
| Best Supporting Actress | Rebecca Gibney | Template:Nom | |
| Deborah Mailman | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Original Music Score | Michael Yezerski | Template:Nom | |
| Best Young Actor | Lily Sullivan | Template:Nom | |
| Best Costume Design | Tim Chappel | Template:Nom | |
| ASE Award | Best Editing in a Feature Film | Jill Bilcock | Template:Nom |
| AFCA Awards | Best Actress | Toni Collette | Template:Nom |
| Best Supporting Actor | Liev Schreiber | Template:Nom | |
| Best Supporting Actress | Rebecca Gibney | Template:Nom | |
| Deborah Mailman | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Production Design | Graham 'Grace' Walker | Template:Nom | |
| FCCA Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Liev Schreiber | Template:Nom |
| Best Supporting Actress | Rebecca Gibney | Template:Won | |
| Best Young Actor | Lily Sullivan | Template:Nom |