Mad To Be Normal 15

In one of the stand-out performances of an already remarkable career, David Tennant portrays psychiatrist and counterculture ‘celebrity’ R. D. Laing. In the 60s and 70s, Laing’s books were read by students across the globe; his work and opinions regarded controversial by the psychiatric establishment who were firmly turned against him, particularly his methods with those labelled as schizophrenic. Where mainstream psychiatry used anti-psychotic drugs and Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Laing preferred to try and understand his patients through accessing and confronting suppressed memories that may be a source of their psychological distress.

In 1965, Laing set up Kingsley Hall – an experimental therapeutic sanctuary - where those experiencing mental distress could live as they wished, with no anti-psychotic drugs administered or locked doors. Those living at Kingsley Hall were encouraged - occasionally with the use of LSD - to confront painful or suppressed memories.

Featuring impressive supporting performances from Elizabeth Moss, Gabriel Byrne and Sir Michael Gambon, Mad to Be Normal is a thought-provoking look at the work of R. D. Laing, the Kingsley Hall experiment and the history of treatment in cases of mental distress.