Crazy, Not Insane (2020)

About Crazy, Not Insane

Crazy, Not Insane is a 2020 documentary that delves into the mind of killers, attempting to understand what drives them to commit such heinous acts. Narrated by acclaimed actress Laura Dern, the documentary follows the life and work of psychiatrist Dr. Dorothy Otnow Lewis, who has spent her career studying the brains of serial killers and death-row inmates in order to learn what caused them to become murderers.

Making / Production

Directed by the legendary Alex Gibney, known for his poignant and thought-provoking documentaries, Crazy, Not Insane includes interviews with Dr. Dorothy Lewis, as well as footage of her sessions with various serial killers. Gibney highlights the way Lewis uses her unique methods to study the minds of murderers by focusing on aspects such as multiple personality disorder and the effects of childhood trauma.

Actors

• Laura Dern: She brings her distinctive touch to the narration, guiding the audience through the disturbing yet fascinating explorations of Lewis's research.
• Dr. Dorothy Otnow Lewis: Although not an actor, Dr. Lewis's contributions are key to the film. She shares her profound insights and groundbreaking research on murderers and mentally ill patients.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This documentary used real footage of Dr. Dorothy Lewis’s diagnostic sessions, providing the audience with an authentic insight into her methods and findings.
• The title, Crazy, Not Insane, refers to the understanding that these killers are mentally ill ("crazy"), but they are aware of right and wrong, and hence are not "insane" in terms of a legal defense.

Quotes

• "Finding not guilty by reason of insanity is probably more difficult than finding a needle in a haystack.”- Dr. Dorothy Lewis
• "It’s not simple, it’s not easy, but it can affect us all. That’s the thing about insanity." - Laura Dern

Music, Soundtrack

• The score by Peter Nashel adds depth to the eerie narrative, underscoring the seriousness of the subject matter.