Threshold
Threshold

Threshold

1981Movie97 minEnglish

Celebrated heart surgeon Thomas Vrain supports the research of an offbeat scientist who has invented an artificial heart. Against the advice of the Ethics Committee, Dr. Vrain decides to perform the first artificial heart transplant.

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Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Joan TewkesburyGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young woman is institutionalized after suffering a mental breakdown, where she encounters other patients and staff who grapple with their own demons. As she tries to recover, she becomes entangled in the complex and often disturbing dynamics of the psychiatric ward. The film explores themes of sanity, trauma, and the struggle for identity within a system designed to heal.

Critical Reception

Threshold received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised its sensitive portrayal of mental illness and strong performances, others found the film to be slow-paced and its narrative occasionally unfocused. Audiences generally had a lukewarm response, with the film not achieving significant commercial success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its earnest depiction of mental health struggles and compelling lead performance.
  • Criticized for a meandering plot that sometimes sacrifices momentum for character exploration.
  • Seen as a thought-provoking, albeit somber, examination of institutional life.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and sentiment for 'Threshold (1981)' is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was notable for its exploration of the controversial lobotomy procedure, which was still being debated and occasionally performed at the time of its release.

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