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NCR: Not Criminally Responsible
2013
1 h 39 min
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Directed by John Kastner, this feature documentary about violence, mental illness, and the rights of victims tells the story of a troubled young man who stabbed a complete stranger 6 times in a crowded shopping mall while gripped by psychosis. Twelve years later, his victim, who miraculously survived, is terrified to learn that he’s out, living in the community under supervision. He’s applying for an absolute discharge, and if he succeeds, he’ll no longer be required to take the anti-psychotic drugs that control his mental illness. With unprecedented access to the patient, the victim, and the mental institution, the film …
This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Directed by John Kastner, this feature documentary about violence, mental illness, and the rights of victims tells the story of a troubled young man who stabbed a complete stranger 6 times in a crowded shopping mall while gripped by psychosis. Twelve years later, his victim, who miraculously survived, is terrified to learn that he’s out, living in the community under supervision. He’s applying for an absolute discharge, and if he succeeds, he’ll no longer be required to take the anti-psychotic drugs that control his mental illness. With unprecedented access to the patient, the victim, and the mental institution, the film looks at both sides of the debate and puts a human face on the complex ethical issues raised.
This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
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producerJohn KastnerDeborah ParksSilva Basmajian
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directorJohn Kastner
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writerJohn Kastner
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executive producerSilva Basmajian
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production executiveMark StarowiczMichael Claydon
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creative headBruce Cowley
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editorMichael Hannan
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director of photographyJohn WestheuserDerek Rogers
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location sound recordingDoug Kaye
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composerBruce Fowler
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associate producerNicole Rogers
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researcherNicole Rogers
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additional photographyJohn Tran
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additional soundRichard NaultDon Stewart
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location photographerGeoff George
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supervising sound editorStephen Barden
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recording mixerStephen Barden
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sound effects editorNiall CollinsPatton Rodrigues
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dialogue editorRyan Ongara
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violinBridget HuntWendy Rose
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violaKent Teeple
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celloMarie Gélinas
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music preparationRebecca Pellet
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music score engineerMike Duncan
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online editorAndrew Mandziuk
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graphicsMark Alberts
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transcriptionChris Warren
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production accountantAnne Sinclair
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production auditorSteven Friedman
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entertainment lawyerGigi MorinIain MacKinnon
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publicityJennifer MairDavid McCaughna
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production insuranceJudy Heron
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production supervisorMark Wilson
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centre administratorJosiah Rothenberg
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production coordinatorRachel Punwassie
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technical coordinatorMarcus Matyas
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consultantLisa RamshawShawn WhiteHy Bloom
Ages 15 to 18
School subjects
Use the Canadian Mental Health Association website (cmha.ca) to research OCD (anxiety disorder) and schizophrenia in more detail. Have small groups research additional mental illnesses and create visual presentations. Conduct a “gallery walk” where the class moves around to each of the presentation stations. This film personalizes mental illness through the lens of Sean’s story; does this make “taking a side” on the crime more difficult? What does “not criminally responsible” mean to the students?