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Biographical documentary

Crazy, Not Insane (2020): Cast & Ratings

Crazy, Not Insane (2020) movie poster

Crazy, Not Insane is a 2020 biographical documentary directed by Alex Gibney, starring Laura Dern, Park Dietz and Richard Burr. It runs 1 hour 57 minutes. Critics gave it 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.

IMDb rating
6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
94%
Echo Score
83
Metascore
78
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Crazy, Not Insane (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 57m (117 min)
Director
Alex Gibney
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Crazy, Not Insane About?

The premise of Crazy, Not Insane without spoilers.

Esteemed psychiatrist Dorothy Otnow Lewis examines the psychology of serial killers and questions the application of capital punishment in this thought-provoking documentary. Through her unique perspective and analysis, the film explores the complexities of human behavior and raises important questions about morality, justice, and the nature of evil. It sparks a crucial debate about how society understands and responds to those who commit heinous crimes.

Crazy, Not Insane Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • psychiatrist
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Cast & crew

Crazy, Not Insane Cast

Laura Dern leads the cast, with Park Dietz and Richard Burr. Directed by Alex Gibney; 5 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Crazy, Not Insane

· 1 more
From the director

More from Alex Gibney

More films directed by Alex Gibney, best-rated first: Totally Under Control, Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie, Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief and Taxi to the Dark Side.

Full filmography
Ratings

Crazy, Not Insane Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Crazy, Not Insane 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

83 /100

Crazy, Not Insane Echo Score Breakdown

The documentary offers a deeply empathetic and investigative look into the minds of serial killers through Dr. Dorothy Otnow Lewis. Critics largely praise its thought-provoking focus and the film intrigues with unresolved questions about the roots of violence. Some viewers find the structure uneven, questioning the coherence of its narrative. In terms of visual and interview intensity, it delivers harrowing footage that underscores its themes. Despite occasional narrative ambivalence, it maintains strong engagement through its probing inquiry and emotional resonance.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, the direction provides a clear investigative thread through archival footage and interviews. The cinematography employs a restrained palette that lets interview subjects occupy the frame with clarity. Editing weaves together historical segments and contemporary interviews without major technical issues. Overall, the filmmaking exhibits a measured approach that supports the documentary’s analytical tone.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, Dr. Lewis emerges as a deeply compassionate and intellectually probing figure. Her empathetic demeanor and dark humor ground the film’s exploration of violent subjects with humanizing insight. The interviews capture nuanced responses from both the psychiatrist and her subjects. In sum, the film delivers emotional impact through its focus on personal interaction.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of story and flow, the documentary raises compelling questions about the origins of violence with thoughtful pacing. The narrative interweaves historical context and expert commentary, though some transitions feel abrupt and contribute to an uneven structure. While the investigative focus remains engaging, occasional narrative detours slightly undercut the film’s overall coherence and momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    In terms of sensory experience, the documentary presents harrowing interview footage and judiciously applied archival materials that heighten emotional engagement. The sound design underscores tense moments without overpowering the narrative, and the restrained musical touches complement rather than distract. Overall, the visual and auditory elements cohere effectively to support the film’s investigative and emotive aims.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    When it comes to rewatch value, the film’s focused exploration of Dr. Lewis and her methods provides interesting fodder for repeated viewings. The depth of documentary interviews and layered archival context encourage analysis, although the uneven narrative pacing may diminish some viewers’ desire to revisit. Overall, it maintains moderate lasting appeal for those drawn to forensic inquiry.

Videos

Crazy, Not Insane Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Crazy, Not Insane.

Crazy, Not Insane (2020): Official Trailer | HBO
Details

Crazy, Not Insane Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “Loco, no demente” and “Őrült, nem elmebeteg”.

Also known as
  • Loco, no demente
  • Őrült, nem elmebeteg
  • Ārprātīgs, nevis vājprātīgs
  • 瘋狂不瘋癲
  • Není šílenství jako šílenství
  • Loco
  • No Demente
  • Louco Não
  • Doido
  • Psychika mordercy
  • 크레이지
  • 낫 인세인
+5 more
  • Безумен, но не болен
  • Шалений, але не хворий
  • เครซี่
  • น็อท อินเซน
  • Луди, но не невменяеми

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FAQ

Crazy, Not Insane FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Crazy, Not Insane, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Crazy, Not Insane?

Crazy, Not Insane runs 1 hour 57 minutes (117 minutes).

When was Crazy, Not Insane released?

Crazy, Not Insane was released on November 18, 2020.

Who directed Crazy, Not Insane?

Crazy, Not Insane was directed by Alex Gibney.

More films by Alex Gibney

Who is in the cast of Crazy, Not Insane?

Crazy, Not Insane stars Laura Dern, Park Dietz and Richard Burr, among 5 credited actors.

How is Crazy, Not Insane rated?

Crazy, Not Insane has 6.9/10 on IMDb, 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic and 3.4/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Crazy, Not Insane have a post-credit scene?

No. Crazy, Not Insane has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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