Summary

"Mad to Be Normal" is a 2017 historical drama film directed by Robert Mullan. This British biographical feature paints a portrait of the renowned Scottish psychiatrist R. D. Laing and his unique community at Kingsley Hall, East London, during the 1960s.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Robert Mullan, whose personal interest in Laing’s work played an important role in the production. Mullan, who had previously written two books on Laing, used his research and expertise on Laing to portray a complex, multi-faceted character.

Actors

• David Tennant as R.D. Laing - Tennant masterfully portrayed the unconventional psychiatrist with a mix of charm, intensity, and vulnerability.
• Elisabeth Moss as Angie Wood - Moss delivers a powerful performance as Laing’s devoted yet emotionally tormented partner.
• Michael Gambon as Sydney Kotok - Gambon played the role of one of the residents of Kingsley Hall, presenting a heart-touching portrayal of mental health struggles.
• Gabriel Byrne as Jim - Byrne's character offered important insights into the effects of Laing's work and the mental health establishment of the time.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film marks the second time David Tennant and Michael Gambon appeared in the same project; they both appeared in the "Harry Potter" series, though not in the same movie.
• R.D. Laing, the film's subject, was considered one of the most controversial figures of his age because of his unconventional approach to mental health issues.
• The movie was shot largely in Yorkshire, though it is set in East London.

Quotes

• “All madmen are unhappy, and therefore, in a way, to be pitied rather than feared.” - R.D. Laing
• “The condition of alienation, of being asleep, of being unconscious, of being out of one’s mind, is the condition of the normal man.” - R.D. Laing

Music, Soundtrack

• 'Love Is the Drug' by Roxy Music
• 'I Feel Free' by Cream
• 'Judy In Disguise' by John Fred & His Playboy Band