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Canvas
Screen Media Films


7.6

based on 10 reviews
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based on 3 votes
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MPAA RATING: PG-13 for mature thematic elements

Starring Joe Pantoliano, Marcia Gay Harden, Devon Gearhart, Sophia Bairley, Marcus Johns, and Antony Del Rio

Ten-year-old Chris Marino just wants to be normal, but his mother's bouts of paranoia and delusion give new meaning to the term "dysfunctional family." His dad, John, breaks his back as a construction worker struggling to pay for Mary's doctor bills and searching for the right medicine to treat her schizophrenia, which leaves little time or energy to give to his son. When Mary's behavior takes a dangerous turn, father and son watch helplessly as the police drag Mary out of the house to hospitalize her in a mental institution. (Screen Media Films)

GENRE(S):	Drama
WRITTEN BY:	Joseph Greco
DIRECTED BY:	Joseph Greco
RELEASE DATE:	DVD: January 29, 2008 Theatrical: October 12, 2007
RUNNING TIME:	101 minutes, Color
ORIGIN:	USA

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

The Hollywood Reporter Frank Scheck

This autobiographical tale of a 10-year-old boy coping with his mother's severe illness boasts terrific performances from its three leads -- Joe Pantoliano, Marcia Gay Harden and young Devon Gearhart.

Variety John Anderson

First-rate performances, an uncompromising point of view and a fresh take on a well-worn movie subject -- madness.

New York Post Lou Lumenick

Harden and Pantoliano (especially) can be two of the most over-the-top performers in the business, but they don't strike a false note in Canvas - and neither does this heartbreaking movie.

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

Marcia Gay Harden finds a fine balance between madness and the temptations of overacting. Yes, she runs wild sometimes, but always as a human being, not as a caricature.

The New York Times Stephen Holden

A movie that rings emotionally true, despite structural contrivances and dim, washed-out color.

Village Voice Aaron Hillis

Greco's sincerity is so palpable that the frequent uplift feels deserved, but with just-passable filmmaking and the demeaning score, Canvas falls somewhere between powerful indie and made-for-TV diversion.

Chicago Tribune Sid Smith

Canvas is a thoughtful, sweet film that handles its difficult topic--schizophrenia--with tact and tenderness.

TV Guide Maitland McDonagh

Often rings painfully true, but would have benefited from judicious editing.

New York Daily News Elizabeth Weitzman

Though Harden has the showier role, a subdued Pantoliano is the movie's real star. Sometimes, the quietest performances are the most powerful.

Los Angeles Times Staff (Not credited)

A sincere, slow-paced drama about a Florida family dealing with schizophrenia, Canvas is never terribly convincing, despite being inspired by writer-director Joseph Greco's life growing up with a mentally ill mother.

The average user rating for this movie is 7.6 (out of 10) based on 3 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Keh G gave it an8:
Poignant, tender, and very well acted.

Cyndi S. gave it a9:
I love a movie that breaks my heart wide open and allows me to feel to the depth of my soul- haven't felt this emotionally wrung out in a long time---and that's a great thing for a movie!! I wish they made more movies like this.

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Canvas Screen Media Films

Canvas
Screen Media Films