As we go through the terrific lineup for this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, we’re continually being pleasantly surprised by the smaller movies making an appearance — ones that don’t necessarily land in the headlines. One such picture that’s caught our attention is “55 Steps.”
Directed by Bille August (“Night Train To Lisbon,” “The House Of The Spirits,” “Smilla’s Sense Of Snow“) and starring Helena Bonham Carter, Hilary Swank, and Jeffrey Tambor, the film tells the true story of Eleanor Riese, who fought for the rights of mentally ill patients to weigh in on their treatment. Here’s the synopsis:
55 Steps is based on the inspiring true story of Eleanor Riese, a mental illness patient, who brings a class action suit to give competent mental patients the right to have a say in their medication while they’re in a hospital, and Colette Hughes, the lawyer appointed to her case. Eleanor’s fight for justice goes all the way up to the Supreme Court of California and, despite a stormy start and Eleanor’s difficult personality, the two women develop a mutually rewarding relationship.
“55 Steps” will make its World Premiere at TIFF. No word on a release date just yet.
