Canvas Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critics What's this?

  • Summary: 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) Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. 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.
  2. Reviewed by: John Anderson
    80
    First-rate performances, an uncompromising point of view and a fresh take on a well-worn movie subject -- madness.
  3. Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    60
    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.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. CyndiS.
    9
    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. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. KehG
    8
    Poignant, tender, and very well acted.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes