Monday's ethical celeb: Damian Lewis + Samaritans = better mental health (hopefully)
While we're talking about improving mental health, let's laud Damian Lewis for working with Samaritans (and getting a wee bit of promo for his new film, Keane, at the same time - we love it when everybody's happy) to raise awareness of what it's like to have not just a midlife crisis, but a full breakdown, and that Samaritans crisis hotline is open 24 hours a day. [GT]
"The film shows a man searching for belonging and struggling through loneliness and a need for human connection. He turns to alcohol - our own research has shown how readily men do this when they are 'down'. Above all he clearly lacks support and doesn't see where to turn for it. The problems he faces clearly parallel with many of those Samaritans volunteers give support for."
Full skinny on Keane:
SAMARITANS LINKS WITH MOVIE 'KEANE' FOR UK AND IRISH PREMIERES
Samaritans has linked with actor Damian Lewis' new film Keane as it begins its theatrical run on September 22nd. Working in conjunction with the film's distributor Soda Pictures, Samaritans hopes to highlight some of the issues people contact the charity for support on.
The lead character William Keane, in his early 30s, is struggling with the abduction of his daughter and is on the verge of a mental breakdown.
Chief executive with Samaritans David King said:" Damian Lewis gives a compelling performance and the themes brought out in Keane align with volunteers' support work throughout the UK and Ireland.
"The film shows a man searching for belonging and struggling through loneliness and a need for human connection. He turns to alcohol - our own research has shown how readily men do this when they are 'down'. Above all he clearly lacks support and doesn't see where to turn for it. The problems he faces clearly parallel with many of those Samaritans volunteers give support for."
Keane is written and directed by Lodge Kerrigan. It also stars Amy Ryan and Abigail Breslin.
In talking about the character Keane the director Lodge Kerrigan refers to the importance of positive emotional connections. He said:" It is also apparent in the stabilizing effect that Kira (a young girl) has on his life and also on his illness. He's so erratic at the beginning, and he really has so little support but when he starts to create emotional connections that process stabilizes him to a significant degree. I've seen that happen in my own experience and my own interactions with people who suffer from mental illness. "
Damian Lewis also said: " We all know what's best when you have a problem is to talk it over -'to get it off your chest' - but sometimes there are reasons, especially for kids, why you feel it's something you don't want to share. It's essential then that there is somewhere to find the support you need and I'm totally behind the confidential service that Samaritans' volunteers give 24/7".
Keane was an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival as well as the London BFI Film Festival.
The film will have its' main London premiere at the Curzon Soho, Shaftesbury Avenue at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 20th September. It continues its' run there from Friday 22nd September.
It will also open on Friday 22nd September at three other venues - the National Film Theatre, London, the Irish Film Institute in Dublin and the Filmhouse in Edinburgh. In the following weeks Keane will be shown around the UK and Ireland.
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