I enjoy watching a lot of films. But I am drawn to the genre called suspense or psychological suspense. I'm not quite sure if this film is a thriller. But it certainly has plenty of scares in it to be called one. The film has a peculiar way of telling a story about a patient in need of help. But the subplot about the doctor's own troubled life starts to mirror the patient's life and then revelations begin to slowly reveal some disturbing secrets where all hell breaks loose. Explicit sex and some scenes of violence could be very disturbing. This moody, strange film is original in many ways and for that reason I believe it will gather a devoted following. Not for the faint of heart.
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georgetomas-0369920 June 2022
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juliealvarez-4836130 June 2022Although I like watching suspenseful movies, I tend to veer on the side of those with some horror element or scary scenes of some sort. Well, this movie has some of each and quite a bit of action. At first, this movie appeared to be another humdrum psycho-analysis story about people with mental problems. But it turns out that the characters - especially Dr. Livingston and a patient aptly named Tommy Valentine - are not what they seem to be. I have a lot of issues with this noir movie but I can safely say I have never seen a movie quite like this one before. Original and a little disturbing in how it shows people with violent tendencies hide in plain sight. But its main appeal for me was that it truly scared the crap out of me.
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* OFFICIAL FEATURED REVIEW 15 FEBRUARY 2019 - REVIEW BY ROME PRISMA INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS
Writing a psychological thriller is very complex, because aside from the artistic point of view you need to study the matter you are referring to scientifically, and to be precise and believable about it.
In this feature film shot in 16mm called "Dual Mania" by Joseph Strickland, a newly graduated doctor starts a job at a psychotherapist firm and starts talking to a new patient, a guy named Tommy, that will reveal during the film how its haunting past made him troubled, unpredictable and, most of all, dangerous.
It is a film that has a very simple but effective directing language that is at the service of the screenplay and often uses only one long take to frame a dialogue. It is very hard to judge its cinematography because the copy we had to review was a poor resolution one, but the scenes are lit with a tone we found proper. Above all others, this movie has two major values: its cast and actors, that are very well directed and offer a clean, believable performance - and above all others its protagonist - and the screenplay, which actually shows study and preparation on the subject.
As the plot unfolds we become more and more aware of how Tommy's past is still troubling him and changing him, and how the things he has in common with the doctor compromise their therapy and relationship up to the final revenge that the psycho takes on him.
We really found this movie to be a well-written story, with a lot of attention on the staging of the actors and a film language that is very delicate and never excessive.
-Reviews by prismaadmin -
westernjunkie13 March 2019Wow! I saw this film at a film festival and all I can say is...what a mindblogging experience! Intense, raw and twisted film noir movie!
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lazerblaze13 March 2019The trailer to this thriller looks good, creepy, and I look forward to seeing the entire film. Nice synopsis.
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Shiramaqueen9 June 2021Dual Mania (2021) Movie Review Tags: #suspense #thriller #psychologicalthriller #filmnoir Film Information Director: Joseph Strickland Producer: Joseph Strickland Writer: Joseph Strickland US Theatrical Release Date: July 3, 2021 Cast Joseph Plummer as Dr Steven Livingston Sherrice Eaglin as Lydia Michael Spitz as Tommy Valentine Renee Domenz as Lucy Yvonne Huff as Delores Duane Sharp as the Record Store Manager Ali Goodman as the woman in the red dress Et. Al.
Rating = 5/5 Stars Synopsis In Dual Mania, a new doctor arrives in the energetic city of Chicago. He begins setting up his practice and takes charge of an unassuming young patient. With a history of unpredictable and violent behaviour, the doctor is determined to get to the root of it. Meanwhile, the doctor himself is going through a tumultuous time in his own life. His attraction to his new fiancé is waning and he begins to stray. The patient's condition quickly deteriorates. Little does the doctor know... a most insidious and dangerous game is about to begin.
Viewing and Special FX Factors The film is R rated and has scenes of adult activity, harsh language, intense graphic violence, drug abuse and nudity.
The film has limited special FX. Shot in 16mm, the film is set in the modern day, weaved with a seductive jazz background score.
Dual Mania Review Directed by Joseph Strickland, Dual Mania (2021) is a stellar psychological thriller which is both scientific and artistic. The film is set in a bustling and energetic Chicago. Dr Steven Livingston starts working at a psychotherapist's firm and takes on a new patient, Tommy Valentine. The pain and trauma from Tommy's childhood lingers and occasionally finds violent expression even to this day.
The concept of the film is noirish with the classic brash and sleazy characters alongwith mournful, dark visuals. Each main character has a darker side which is painstakingly revealed as the plot unfolds. The cinematography is pleasantly unusual as the film was captured on 16mm so it has the ability to take you back in time. Yet, the theme and story has been set in the modern day which makes it truly relatable.
The character development for Dr Steven Livingston and Tommy Valentine is edgy and contrasting. Playing the rescuer, the doctor is fully committed to his duty and uncovering the root of Valentine's mental trauma. However, he is internally struggling in his own life and refuses to face his own reality. After his recent engagement to beautiful Lydia, the doctor finds himself getting attracted to other women. At the same time, Valentine keeps trying to conceal his past by playing a mental cat and mouse game with his therapist - indeed, a reflection of Dr Livingston's own reality.
The wide frame style of direction usually captures full dialogues in a single scene. This lends authenticity to the film's depiction. The cast and actors are the highlight of the film because of the very real, believable performances. It feels like a snippet in time from our own experience. There is a depth in the screenplay with strong backstories which give you something to chew on. In fact, this is an alternative film with universal appeal.
Overall, I highly recommend this film because of it's eery appeal. True to the thriller genre, the story grows and envelopes you in a sense of impending dread. The film keys into the likes of Psycho and showcases how a seemingly normal person can turn into something unrecognisable. Definitely, this award winning film is a must watch!
For the foregoing reasons, I would give Dual Mania 5 stars. -
stevensonbon10 October 2019I could tell after watching the movie trailers that this psych thriller had all the hallmarks of a genuine film noir movie from the 1930's ; beautiful, sexy women, dangerous situations and sinister characters. Looks intriguing enough. Can't wait to see the full movie!
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johnsontim-3915015 October 2019This suspense thriller is riveting and a mind bender all at once! Because the people depicted in this original movie are not what they appear to be. Also, some of the scenes are very intense and that's a good thing because I like dark thrillers,especially spooky ones like this.
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Very captivating and unpredictable all the way through. A Psychological thriller that won't leave you disappointed. Excellent Soundtrack and Film Score !
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princetonbrownmastering23 August 2021The story keeps you watching. You can't guess how the next scene will results, which keeps you thinking and actively watching. Great film.
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superman-053245 July 2021I watched this movie a few days ago and I really cant wait to watch it agian. I love all the characters and the story. I hope I get to see it agian soon!
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They don't make movies like this anymore! I had heard about this movie before but I didn't know what to expect. Oh, my God! Splendid psychological thriller that didn't hold nothing back. Very intense. Rated R, of course. Some scenes made me wonder if they were really happening. Mental health is for real! Recommended only for people who watch serious suspense thrillers.
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nikkitaylor-1980022 August 2021I had no ideal what I was in for before watching this movie. I discovered this little gem and was shocked by the intensity of some of the scenes and how the plot was so twisty that it kept me guessing to the very end. OMG! I loved the beautiful soundtrack!! The movie score was original and very primal. Thumbs way up to the actors because they seemed so much like real people. This movie is like the classic film noirs of the 1940's but with more sex and violence. Very good for closet thrill seekers!
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cheyennegarrett4 April 2023In the Indie Film community, the long-awaited release of Dual Mania, the thriller from Director, Joseph Strickland, was over in 2018. During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, it was on my watchlist of films that I was anxious to see. I watched the film again today and, again, I was really pleased. So much so that I had to write my opinion of what I will call my own personal review.
First off, I want to say that I loved this film!
Indie films, in general, are my jam and thrillers in particular. Dual Mania fit the bill for me. I did note that while the production value fell prey to certain intrinsic limitations usually experienced in the Indie market (e.g., limited locations, film quality, cameras, sound, and lighting), that didn't deter my interest in the film and my intrigue with the storyline. In addition, I think the film's writing and directing were exceptional. Also, the film got a lot of attention from the Indie Market. Cool!
The film's protagonist, Steven Livingston, an African American psychotherapist, is pitted against Tommy Valentine, his new Caucasian patient who turns out to be a DEEPLY disturbed dude. A great take on a role reversal. The film drives the reality that regardless of what one person may think they deserve and the jealousies that motivate us, we are more alike than we think we are.
The slow buildup of tension between the two works well with Tommy's growing jealousy of Steven and what Steven has accomplished and serves up a jaw-dropping classic confrontation complete with an existential intonation. But no spoiler alerts from me (I hate those). You'll just have to see the movie.
In my opinion, check it out. I'm looking forward to whatever Joseph Strickland has in store for his next project. This one was pretty cool!