Madness and Genius

Running time: 103 mins

Madness and Genius is an arresting debut from 22-year-old director Ryan Eslinger, who became inspired at the age of thirteen to make his film. The result is a remarkable story involving human relationships, redemption and, ultimately, the alienation that results from those who suffer from madness and genius. Frank (brilliantly portrayed by Tom Noonan), a once brilliant scientist and professor, is haunted by a discovery in his past and may be quietly going mad. Jordan, a student with a photographic memory, is on the verge of flunking out of school and desperately attempts to attach himself to his reclusive and eccentric professor. Nigel, suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease and feeling socially inept due to his physical inadequacies, tutors Jordan as a means to maintain some kind of bond with another student. He also seeks to draw the attention of his beautiful teaching assistant, who barely acknowledges his existence. It is through the intertwining of these three lives that earth-shattering secrets soon unfold. Shot in beautiful black and white High-Definition and featuring an artistic talent far more mature than most of the top directors working today, Madness and Genius is a provocative tale of science, philosophy, blackmail, isolation and hope. - Sandy Wolf