David and Lisa
David and Lisa

David and Lisa

1962Movie95 minEnglish

Teenager David Clemens develops a hysterical fear that he will die if he comes into physical contact with another person. Perturbed, David's overbearing mother places him in a home for mentally disturbed young people, but David remains withdrawn from the other patients and his psychiatrist. Over time, however, David grows interested in 15-year-old Lisa, who suffers from multiple personalities – one who can only speak in rhyme, and the other, a mute.

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IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes89%
Director: Frank PerryGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A sensitive and withdrawn teenager named David struggles with emotional issues, particularly his fear of women, stemming from a traumatic childhood incident. He enrolls in a special school for disturbed adolescents where he meets Lisa, a young woman with a similar emotional fragility, who claims to have telepathic abilities. Their connection blossoms amidst the challenges of their unconventional upbringing and the guidance of their unconventional therapist. As they navigate their shared vulnerabilities, they begin to find solace and understanding in each other.

Critical Reception

David and Lisa was a surprise critical and commercial success, lauded for its sensitive portrayal of adolescent mental health and its compelling performances. It garnered significant attention for tackling mature themes with a delicate touch, earning it a special place in cinema history as an independent film that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its poignant and sensitive exploration of troubled youth.
  • Lauded for the strong, nuanced performances of its young leads.
  • Applauded for its honest and empathetic depiction of mental health struggles.

Google audience: Information not available.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director (Frank Perry) and Best Original Screenplay. Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Fun Fact

The film was made on a very low budget of approximately $160,000 and was initially intended for television broadcast before its theatrical release gained significant traction.

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