Roger Ebert got it wrong.....

I haven't read Ebert's review of Asylum, but based on what you wrote, I know that I would fervently disagree with his view. About 3 or 4 years ago, I first saw Asylum and since then, I could not tell you how many times I have watched it. This film is among my favorites...easily in my top 10 and it is a film that I will never tire of viewing. I adore Natasha Richardson and I concur with you...actually, I will take it a step further- I feel that Stella was Natasha's very best role on film. Her delivery of every single breathtaking moment, her elegant beauty, the fire behind her eyes and the aching sadness...Stella's descent into madness was done with such nuance and brilliance that it seemed effortless. Nothing about the performances in this film were "overacting" and I like that each time I watch this, I notice something new or see something differently. I also feel that the casting for Asylum was spot on. The chemistry between Natasha and Marton is so palpable that it created some of the most intense, stunningly-erotic and passionate scenes I have ever witnessed on film. My heart literally aches with Stella and despite how horrid Edgar is, I could feel Stella's burning and desperate desire for him. Marton Csokas really stands out in this film! He does an amazing job of making me feel empathy, disgust, fear and a seething rage matched with lurid desire.

Like you, I also feel devastated by the ending. At the same time, I LOVE that this film does NOT wrap everything up in a pretty, happy bow. After watching this film so many times, I read the novel a while ago. I would definitely recommend the book, but I must say (and I suspect I am the minority), I feel that the film is better. That is RARE! The book doesn't have as much emotional impact and Stella is painted quite differently. In the book, I found it difficult to feel empathy and a connection to Stella. The adaptation to film and Natasha's work really brought a certain lovely essence that is missing from the Stella in the novel. Another interesting thing about the novel is that the entire thing is told from Dr. Cleave's point of view. It makes for a more clinical, cold and dry feel. In the film, there is beauty and love...even if the love is sick and destructive- there IS love. In the novel, it is matter of fact, bleak throughout and I felt no love at all.

There is a differnce between being a "slut" and a woman who has slipped into mental illness.

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