The old adage of if somebody thinks their crazy they aren’t, but if they are then they are unaware is a theme that has been explored in cinema before, notably in Samuel Fuller’s SHOCK CORRIDOR (1960), Milos Forman’s Oscar-winning ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST (1975) and Clint Eastwood’s CHANGELING (2008)
In the new short film I AM NORMAL it is explored further, a film inspired by a real-life experiment in 1973 by psychologist Dr. David Rosenhan, which placed normal people into psychiatric wards to test the validity of their psychiatric diagnosis.
I AM NORMAL has added poignancy, not least in that it is the final work of the late cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who tragically lost her life on the set of the Alec Baldwin production RUST, so it is with added interest that people will want to see the work on show here.
The short film tells the tale of Keira (Nora-Jane Noone), who is recruited by Dr. Rosenhan (Saul Rubinek) to pose as a mental patient called ‘Cara’ and keep a diary of her experiences over a period of about three weeks. Unfortunately, the experiment does begin to have long-term consequences and perceptions of who Cara (or Keira) really is…..?
Directed by Olia Oparina from a script by Anya Bay, who also co-produces the film with Oparina, I AM NORMAL is a solid and perceptive affair, a movie that taps into the themes of perception over reality and what our true values are when we evolve into this world.
The cinematography by Hutchins is contrasting and characterful, with a warm and rich cinematic pallet that compliments lead actress Noone’s emotional and involving performance as a woman clearly conflicted by what she has got herself into. A wonderful epitaph to a talent that was taken from the film world much too soon and in such tragic circumstances.
About the film-maker:
Olia Oparina is an imaginative and passionate storyteller whose roots began in Siberia during the chaotic reign of the USSR.
In the 90s — when political tension and uncertainty loomed overhead, Olia found salvation in fantasy as a way to escape the world around her. When her psychic grandmother introduced her to Slavic folklore at the age of eight, she instantly fell in love with the art of storytelling.
She began to develop her own tales to satisfy her creativity. Inspired by Soviet Propaganda that brainwashed millions and Slavic fairy-tales that expose our deepest fears and beliefs, Olia has created impactful stories that provoked emotions and tapped into the human psyche.
Olia majored in Communication Studies, with a minor in Mandarin Chinese at KSTU in Russia. A year after graduation, Olia travelled westwards to Hollywood, where she enrolled in USC’s MFA program with a focus in Film and TV Production.
Olia later produced a feature film, “Baby Doll” and directed a feature thriller “Snowbound” that was completed within 9 months and screened at the Marche Du Film during the 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival.
Olia also created several immersive theatrical shows which received recognition in the art community. Today she continues her journey as a filmmaker and content creator with a strong leadership mentality. She uses her childhood experiences, cultural knowledge, and insight into human psychology to create stories that will live on through the ages.
Director Statement:
“Our well-being is only as good as our mental health. Being treated a certain way translates to a person seeing themselves that way. So we should not be quick to judge or put labels on anyone.
That’s one of the main themes in “I Am Normal” We wanted to explore it through a heart-warming friendship story similar to the one in “Girl Interrupted,” but with a disturbing borderline insanity theme of “Shutter Island”
The biggest challenge was to exercise sensitivity and subtlety. We had to make sure the story did not feel advantageous of mental health illnesses but did get across the severity of the situation.”
The Paris International Film Festival 2022 runs online between 10th and 20th February, 2022.
Tickets and info:
https://www.parisintlfest.com/
