Keane (2005)

Null and Paranoid

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy Keane on DVD

In 1994, Lodge H. Kerrigan released Clean, Shaven, a seriously difficult and disturbed look inside the mind of a schizophrenic. I admired the film but would never choose to see it again. Kerrigan's third film, the new Keane, begins in much the same way, with William Keane (Damian Lewis) frantically searching for his (supposedly) abducted daughter. The camera stays close to his head, circling and following him through long, frantic takes. Keane moves through fits of panic, paranoia and rage, fueled by sporadic cocaine use, and we're right there, close-up. Fortunately, others enter the picture. Keane offers to help a raggedly beautiful mother, Lynn Bedik (Amy Ryan), pay her hotel bill and he becomes an unwitting babysitter for Lynn's daughter Kira (Abigail Breslin). Kira helps draw Keane into a circle of calm and responsibility, though Kerrigan continues a firm grip on the picture, foreshadowing and hinting at dreadful things to come. Overall, though, Keane is a surprise, and a highly effective film, much more accomplished and less punishing than Clean, Shaven. Lewis in particular (Dreamcatcher, An Unfinished Life) voraciously attacks this actor's dream role and gives an astonishing performance.

Starring: Damian Lewis, Abigail Breslin, Amy Ryan
Written by: Lodge H. Kerrigan
Directed by: Lodge H. Kerrigan
MPAA Rating: R for a scene of strong sexuality, drug use and language
Running Time: 100 minutes
Date: September 30, 2005