User reviews

When I saw this movie, I didn't have an idea as to what to expect. I clicked it because I saw HBC plus, Hillary Swank... I mean come on, those 2? Who wouldn't be interested in a movie that has them as the lead stars... Ok so, Helena gave an award-worthy acting on this movie. She was impeccable! I couldn't say much about hillary because her acting here is just ok, her role didn't really bring out the best of her acting ability. All in all, you should see this film because of the powerful message it wants to convey! I highly recommend this.

This is an important story. Helena Bonham Carter is Exemplary in this role!! It's important for people to understand that mental illness does not mean that someone is automatically incompetent. Watch it.

Inevitably, some will avoid a film about mental illness and patients' rights for fear of it being "worthy" or "depressing". And, sure, this is undoubtedly the kind of story that used to be packaged for "disease of the week" telemovies. What elevates "55 Steps" above that lowly status is an extraordinary performance by Helena Bonham Carter as Eleanor Riese. It's not only a detailed, sensitive and touching portrayal of a woman with mental illness, but a smart, masterful exercise in calibrating a performance that balances both drama and comedy so that a difficult and potentially alienating subject becomes entertaining and ultimately uplifting. It takes an actor with incredible skill and range to pull off such a feat, and Bonham Carter is one of only a handful who could do it. That in the past few years she's also convincingly played roles as disparate as Elizabeth Taylor and Madame Thenardier demonstrates what a remarkable actor HBC has become. But this may be her best performance yet. Well worth seeing.

I watched this movie with more than 65 Patients Rights Advocates at our annual CAMHPRA meeting. We thank you all for making the film, it reaffirms our passion for the struggle of Patient Rights and their Civil Rights The Actors should be given awards and in my opinion big abrazos for protraying Eleanor and Collette and Mort (RIP we miss you so much). and for bringing to light an issue that everyone takes for granted. We know the battle was long and heart breaking but we thank you for the end results. We may not always win but when we win our clients win big. Please watch the film. Please support the mentally ill, we all break at one time or another and we need to support each other. I highly recommend this film Gloria h/fresno

Reading the synopsis of this movie, my expectation walking into this movie is full blown court action like The Lincoln Lawyer or something like that. After the end credit rolled, I understand why it only got 6.9 rating on IMDB.

If you're in the mood of court action movie,then this movie will not satisfy your need. This movie focused on the relationship between a lawyer and her client, how a retarded person in public's eye can change the life of a white collar. That's where this movie shines. A simple gesture of appreciation and caring can change a person's life and this movie doesn't fail to show both points. Personally, the outcome i got from 55 Steps is to never judge anyone based on anything for such a simple person on the outside can have a great personality and mind on the inside.

55 Steps is an inspiring legal drama about a victim of psychiatric "care" seeking legislative protection from forced medication on behalf of the mentally ill. Hillary Swank, who is always great to watch, does not disappoint as the patient rights advocacy lawyer fighting for a just cause, but I was pleasantly surprised by how believable the often-typecast Helena Bonham Carter's dynamic and nuanced performance was as real-life plaintiff Eleanor Riese. This film is sure to be underrated but you definitely shouldn't miss it if you or anyone you know has experienced being inside a mental hospital.

55 STEPS (2017)

I was drawn to this movie because of the topic of patient safety; I found it hard to watch because the film felt like it tried too hard to tug at viewers emotions and the main character seemed exaggerated to me, but I did cry at the end, so something worked.

I am inspired by this real life story and incredibly saddened at the same time: the fact that doctors cover for the medical/pharmaceutical industrial complex is one that pains me every day. I applaud the efforts of Eleanor Riese and her lawyers, who I view as heroes, but how far have we come? Informed consent and a patient's right to choose is still violated across the board in the medical field every day, which is why I'm so busy working hard on these issues.

This movie is nothing less than a gem. What makes it so compelling is that although the issues are clearly and boldly presented, we never lose our connection to the individuals portrayed. The balance achieved is rare. Also, Eleanor and Colette are such different women, but the evolution of their relationship is believable and astutely rendered. Above all, how wonderful was it to see a story about generosity, compassion and high ideals?

55 Steps tells the very important story of Eleanor Riese and her personal and legal struggle to gain control over her medical treatment and her life. Helena Bonham Carter is amazing as Eleanor. The movie is based on Eleanor's legal case and the efforts of her lawyers but is really about Eleanor's growing friendship with her lawyer Colette Hughes, played by Hilary Swank in a typically strong performance.

Helena Bonham Carter is brilliant as Eleanor, a psychiatric patient that is being over-drugged against her will. Swank plays the lawyer that won't back down and tries the famous Riese case that changes medical practices for the mentally ill.

Exceptional, inspiring story that is exceptionally, poignantly told. Bonham Carter embodies this most dignified of heroines, who withstood inhumane treatment beyond all reason and yet retained her own captivating humanity. Eleanor Riese was a warrior. Thank you to all the women and men who persevered to make and win her case and later, to get this unforgettable movie made.

The film 55 Steps is a melodramatic portrayal of the true story of a patient's legal struggle to obtain informed consent, based on the book "55 Steps: The True Story of a Woman Who Fought Insanity and Corruption" by Mark Bruce Rosin. Unfortunately, the film's portrayal of mental health care is shockingly inaccurate and superficial and could have negative consequences for people who need such treatment and help.

The plot revolves around Eleanor Riese, a psychiatric patient who is forcibly committed and medicated against her will. She meets attorney Colette Hughes, who takes up her case and helps her fight for her right to refuse medication and obtain informed consent. Although the story is based on true events, the film takes considerable liberties with the facts and fails to paint an accurate and nuanced picture of the mental health care system.

The film portrays psychiatric treatment as a cruel and inhumane practice, showing doctors and nurses as heartless and uncaring individuals who care more about money and power than the well-being of their patients. This portrayal is not only inaccurate, but could also harm people who need psychiatric help but are reluctant to seek it because of stigma and fear.

In addition, the film oversimplifies the complex ethical and legal issues surrounding informed consent and psychiatric care. The issue of informed consent is a sensitive one for which there are no easy answers. The film presents a simplistic view of the issue by portraying Eleanor as a heroic victim and the hospital staff as villains.

Overall, the film 55 Steps is a deeply flawed and unrealistic portrayal of mental health care. Although based on a true story, the film takes considerable liberties with the facts and fails to paint an accurate and nuanced picture of the psychiatric system. The superficial portrayal of psychiatric care and the issue of informed consent could have negative consequences for patients who need such treatment and help. Therefore, I cannot recommend this film and give it a rating of 1 out of 10.

Terrific movie! Congratulations Colette! Eleanor would be amazed and proud. Authentic character development and story line. Helena's performance was stellar. Hillary was good however perhaps not her best role. I highly recommend 55 Steps, very meaningful and worthy message. Say I am not right!

Larger than life characters like this one are what talented actors are on the lookout for.

Helena Bonham Carter hit it out of the park with this.

One of two excellent films about mental illness at 2017 Tiff.

Very moving story and well defined characters.

Sadly, based on a story that is unfortunately very much true.

We were very fortunate to have the cast and real life personalities at my screening for an extensive Q&A - thanks to all for coming.

Particularly hopeful was learning that the central characters are still engaged in improving the quality of life for older people living in retirement and old-age institutions.

Who would've thought that there was a time where mental patients didn't have a say in their medical care? Fortunately, for those original 150,000 patients in California, and the many that came after them, Eleanor and Colette did not rest until they found justice! The connection between Eleanor and Colette was beautifully captured by Helena and Hillary. This movie is a must-watch!

Very timely and touching movie which is based on a true story. Timely release due to current events in the media. Enjoyed Helena and Hilary's portrayals of Eleanor and Colette. Hope movie is shown to a wider audience in the future.

This is a wonderful story. Based on a real relationship, it is about so much more than a legal ruling. It is a story about the profound difference a person can make in another's life. It is about valuing individuals not according to what they can't do but for what they can do and who they are. Helena Bonham Carter is a brilliant actress and her full art is on display here in all its understated brilliance (American accent, and all). Hilary Swank is perfect for her role. I can only imagine the topsy-turvy switch up that must have happened when they called "cut", two such highly awarded actors. I give this film an 8 (great) out of 10. {Life Inspired Drama}

My Review- 55 Steps (2017) My rating 8:10 What a Find! Based on true events and characters Helena Bonham Carter as Eleanor Riece a mental patient diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses is superb .Hilary Swank as lawyer Colette Hughes who engages in a David and Goliath fight on Eleanor's behalf and thousands of other patients to be able to consult with doctors and give permission regarding medications that previously were forced on them causing irreparable damage. When patient rights lawyer Colette Hughes goes to meet her new client, Eleanor Riese, a patient in the psychiatric unit of a San Francisco hospital, she has no idea that besides taking on an uphill legal battle to improve treatment for mental patients in hospitals, she is meeting a woman who will make it her mission to transform Colette's workaholic life. I had no idea this movie existed till yesterday and it's incredibly moving and superbly performed. Helena Bonham Carter is an Executive Producer on this movie and it's obviously a labour of love. In my opinion it's a career defining performance for Helena Bonham Carter. I'm amazed at her performance it's dramatic, touching at times very funny and she's so convincing in this role. It's two powerhouse actresses working in tandem Hilary Swank is wonderful in her role as lawyer and eventually friend of Eleanor whose frank and at times brutally frank observations awaken emotions and character defects that Colette has hidden from herself for years. Actor Jeffrey Tambor as Mort Cohen Eleanor's "Jewish Lawyer " is wonderful as the Defence Attorney who presents her case to the Court. It's a film I've added to my collection and I can't recommend it highly enough. This is Helena Bonham Carter at her very finest I highly recommend this film.

Outstanding film about Eleanor Riese (Helena Bonham Carter) , a patient in a psychiatric hospital who has been overmedicated against her will. Eleanor hires Colette Hughes (Hillary Swank) , a patients' rights attorney, to take her case. This leads to a landmark decision for advised consent for psychiatric patients held against their will. Helena Bonham Carter should have been nominated for an Academy Award for this performance and Hillary Swank also did an outstanding portrayal of Colette Hughes. Must see for anyone interested in human rights and patients' rights and psychiatry.

I think that most every movie which portrays a person with a psychiatric diagnoses recreates stereotypes, as in Slingblade, Halloween, Psycho etc. This one makes an honest attempt to paint an accurate picture. Thanks!

This is a beautiful story about a friendship between a lawyer and her mentally ill client. This is also a story about courage and perseverance. The movie provides a lense into the mental health system and into the world of those who are brave enough to stand up to the injustices endured by those who often have no voice. The acting is incredible and authentically represents Ms. Riese and her lawyers. Thank you to the producers who have brought life to this important issue.

This is the best movie I've seen in years! The acting is superb, definite Oscar material for both female leads. The story is one that any person concerned with human rights should find engrossing and inspiring. The screenplay is excellent in its moving dialogue and clarity regarding the mental health patients' rights issue central to the story. For all film buffs, this is not to be missed.