Once Upon a Time the City of Fools

About This Movie

Once Upon a Time the City of Fools takes you into the mind and struggles of Franco Basaglia, an Italian psychiatrist who radically changed mental health care in Italy. The film has a gritty, almost dreamlike atmosphere, reflecting the chaos of the psychiatric system in the 1960s. Marco Turco's direction feels raw, capturing the emotional weight of the characters' battles with their own minds and societal norms. The pacing is thoughtful, allowing for moments of introspection alongside the more intense scenes of conflict. Performances are quite compelling, especially the lead, who embodies the passion and frustration of Basaglia's journey. The practical effects are not overdone, emphasizing realism rather than spectacle, making the experiences of the patients feel all the more poignant. It’s a deep dive into themes of liberation and the struggle for sanity within an insane system.

Strong focus on mental health themesGritty, realistic portrayal of psychiatric practicesNotable for its raw emotional depth