Crazy, Not Insane (HBO)

About Crazy, Not Insane (HBO)

Crazy, Not Insane is a 2020 documentary aired by HBO that probes the psyches of serial killers. Directed by esteemed filmmaker Alex Gibney, this film delves into the work of psychiatrist Dr. Dorothy Otnow Lewis, who has devoted her career to studying murderers and seeking answers about why people kill. Offering a mix of archival footage and home movies, the feature augments Dr. Lewis's original notes and audiotapes of death-row inmate interviews.

Making / Production

The film is produced under the auspices of Jigsaw Productions, Alex Gibney's production company, renowned for creating substantive and high-quality documentary films. Gibney's direction is profound and thought-provoking and the cinematography by Ben Bloodwell eked out an atmosphere of tension and introspection.

Actors

• Dr. Dorothy Otnow Lewis: The leading cast of the documentary is Dr. Lewis, herself. As a psychiatrist, her approaches and interviews are well-documented in the film. Her pivotal role as a lifelong student of 'why people kill' adds a different insight into the inner workings of the mind.
• Laura Dern: The Oscar-winning actress provides the narration for Crazy, Not Insane, adding gravity and pathos to an already intense storyline.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film includes Dr. Lewis' testimony of how early trauma can lead individuals to violent crimes.
• Dr. Lewis' archives include prison interview sessions with serial killers like Arthur Shawcross and David Wilson.
• The documentary was nominated for Best Motion Picture Documentary at the Satellite Awards 2020.

Awards

While Crazy, Not Insane didn't win any awards, it was nominated for Best Motion Picture Documentary at the Satellite Awards 2020.

Quotes

• "What’s the difference between crazy and insane? Crazy is a term of art. Insane is a term of law." - Dr. Dorothy Otnow Lewis
• “My interest is in the person who did the killing. What makes a person kill another person.” - Dr. Dorothy Otnow Lewis

Music, Soundtrack

The music for Crazy, Not Insane is composed by Will Bates, a multi-instrumentalist who has a successful history in scoring for film and TV. His music encapsulates the eerie and haunting environment of the documentary, playing an important role in the overall viewer's experience.