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Don't be fooled. Keane, the movie, isn't associated with the British pop band or the Family Circus cartoonist Bill Keane. The movie is, in fact, nearly the polar opposite compared to the relative levity of its namesakes. The movie compares much more appropriately to violent, viscious acts, such as self-inflicted wounds, perhaps even the loss of a major limb. Yes, my friends, this is a harsh one. Keane is a cinematic experiment with in-depth character study. The protagonist, or "subject" as the case may be, is William Keane (Damian Lewis), a paranoid schizophrenic whose daughter was apparently abducted six months prior. His detective work relies on his own delusions rather than tangible evidence, which at one time causes him to assault an innocent man. In addition to his psychosis, he also happens to be an alcoholic and a drug addict -- a fondue pot of instability. He is financially independent because of his disability check, which probably has more to do with his mental well-being rather than any physical impairment. Mr. Keane parades around the town maniacally, guided only by the missing screws in his head.

Damian Lewis, perhaps only famous for Band of Brothers (certainly not for Dreamcatcher) gives an emotionally charged, impassioned performance as the tormented William Keene. His performance seems even more riveting considering the intrusive camera attention he's given. It's his show, and his convincing turn truly a spectacle to behold. It's easily among the best performances I've seen this year, which is too bad really, because most human beings will only be able to stand watching 5 minutes of it.

In normal circumstances, Lewis' work would be enough to make a film watchable, but the filmmakers make it a miserable experience for the audience. It's obvious that their intent was to make us not only see what William was going through, but also to feel his anguish, literally. I can understand, and even appreciate, that occasionally difficult camerawork is appropriate. For instance, Lars Von Trier's Dancer in the Dark and Breaking the Waves, were both examples of disturbing camerawork that contributed to the plot, while not creating a physically uncomfortable experience for the audience. A moviegoer doesn't want to feel like they've ridden a roller coaster a hundred times after leaving the theater, and they shouldn't. Just because the characters themselves are tormented, doesn't mean the audience has to be equally tormented in order to get the point.

When a human being turns his head from side to side, the eyes keep relative focus. Objects can blur when a human head turns rapidly, but the body is able to adjust quickly once the motion stops. The camera, however, does not keep focus when it moves around briskly. If it doesn't come to a complete stop, as is often the case with Keane, it can be unsettling to watch. For that reason, steady camerawork requires a bit of responsibility. Carelessly moving it back and forth rapidly is disorienting to the eyes. Combining that with bobbing up and down (such as when the cameraman is climbing stairs) is nausea inducing. Lodge Kerrigan and his cinematographer John Foster could learn a thing or two from Von Trier or even Paul Greengrass (Bourne Supremacy, Bloody Sunday), who are able to minimize any discomfort their work could inflict on the audience, while still using the camera to enhance an already turbulent scene or theme.

Even for "slice of life" films, some narrative structure is also important. For Keane, any sort of narrative is completely thrown out the window. There are hardly any plot points during the first half of the film. Most of it is Keane running around the city frantically, either searching for his daughter, another vial of cocaine, or his own piece of mind. The "plot" is introduced far later, when he befriends and helps a financially troubled mother and her 7-year old daughter. The movie is already difficult to watch because of the shooting style, but when nothing really happens, the discomfort is exacerbated, making it a painful movie to watch on many levels. Unfortunately, the latter half of the film is somewhat interesting at times, but comes too late. Most of the audience will be completely lost by that point, if they're still in the theater at all.

I can understand, even appreciate, the art within a film such as this, but that artistry was overindulged at the expense of the viewing experience. It's unfortunate, because William Keane is a fascinating character, and Damian Lewis gives an equally fascinating performance. There was a good movie somewhere within this mess, but Lodge Kerrigan's interpretation was the equivalent of him rubbing a crayon over a Picasso painting.

Keane is one of the finest movies ever made. Writer/Director Lodge Kerrigan takes viewers into the troubled mind of William Keane, portrayed by Damian Lewis in an incredible performance. We see Keane's life and world with incredible realism but also with deep sympathy - even though Keane's behavior is often uncomfortable and even self-destructive. The intense story keeps you on the edge of your seat as you watch Keane's struggle with mental illness and poverty as he desperately seaches for his lost child and tries to rebuild his shattered life. A brilliant film that epitomizes everything that independent film should be.

Excellent film that microscopically examines the despair and emotional journey of a father who searches endlessly for a kidnapped daughter and clearly suffers from other psychiatric illness. The film is fine example of filmaking with a low budget that brings to life this side of society we pass every day, yet never, or want to acknowledge. Production values are consistent with the lean approach, but one can gain much from the depth and range in Damian Lewis's performance of a mentally fragile and out of control man who finds it almost impossible to move beyond his obsessive approach of finding his daughter. It is not until a series of encounters with a single mother and her daughter give him some sense that there can be sanity in his world. The suspense element is subtle but engaging. Serious audiences of independent film will find some production and script flow flaws, but overall, an excellent, compelling venture into a world most of society never experience. This film is heavy on story, yet is a positive for the film as it allows the audience to form its own opinion of Keane and his life. Has much critical acclaim from highly regarded reviewers such as Manohle Dargis of The New York Times, Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun Times, The Village Voice's Dennis Lim and Time Out's Anthony Kaufman.

A great film. Damian Lewis is brilliant in the title role.

Keane is an amazingly wonderful film experience that I will never, ever forget.

I saw this film at the Atlanta Film Festival (June 12, 2005). When the final frame of this film went to black, my instant reaction was my lips mouthing the word "Wow" -- and I mean that in the absolute best of all possible connotations. I have never had a film reach me like this before -- in this way and so deeply. Some of the reviews have talked about how this film reaches viewers on a visceral level. Very, very true. It goes straight to the heart, straight to the soul, straight to the core of your being. It soars straight passed that part of us that analyzes and articulates. Some articles about the film have suggested that audiences might feel drained or exhausted from watching it. I didn't leave the film exhausted or drained. Mesmerized is probably a better description of how I felt. I was completely absorbed in the film from the first frame through the final one. Lodge Kerrigan has created a truly exceptional film, and Damian Lewis delivers a truly outstanding performance in the title role. If anyone ever seeks an example of an empirically perfect match of actor, role and story, this is it. Keane is an amazingly wonderful film experience that I will never, ever forget. I am immensely grateful to count myself among those who have had the fortune to see this film. If you have the chance to see Keane, see it.

Excellent Movie. Great directing and acting. A Thinking man's movie.

Damien Lewis gives the best performance of the year ! he is so convincing that it's almost scary !! i loved it.

"It's not fun, but it's as much an antidote to fake Hollywood nonsense as anything you'll see this year."
-- E! ONLINE

That pretty much sums it up. Good acting, riveting performances, great camera close-up work. No fun, but worth the price of admission.

Lodge Kerrigan's "Keane" is a brilliant, independent film that tells the story of a mentally ill man struggling with his disease, poverty, and a terrible tragedy - the loss of his child. Damian Lewis portrays Keane with compassion and frankness and you really come to care about him as a person. This is one of the finest films I have seen in a long time, and I am sure that I will not forget it easily. If you have the chance to see it, don't miss it!

Surprising effective film. Damian Lewis is stunning as pretty much the only character in the film. The ending to me was emotional devastating. lodge kerrigan does a stunning job, because really the film could have been a piece of shit, but he and lewis pull out a gem. not really a film for everyone, as some people i have recommended it to have not enjoyed it whatsoever. if you get the dvd, there is an alternate cut of the film by steven soderbergh (yuk), which really ruins the film. it is basically the same film in a different sequence order and really shows the power of editing, as it really ruins the films emotional final punch.