Treatment (2011)

Film Overview
"Treatment" is a 2011 indie film directed by Steven Schardt and Sean Nelson. The movie's primary protagonist, Leonard Crane, is played by the Director, Nelson himself, who has a melancholic charisma that easily draws audiences in. The story focuses on the life of Leonard, a struggling screenwriter in his early thirties having a difficult time landing a deal for his script in Hollywood.

Plot
Leonard comes up with an unique strategy to drive his profession forward. He chooses to insinuate himself into the life of a previous child star, Gregg D. (Joshua Leonard), whom he went to high school with, and is now struggling with drug addiction. Leonard believes that by fixing up Gregg, he can acquire the rights to his amazing return story, a tale which he attempts to sell to Hollywood executives as the next success.

Setting and Characters
Set primarily in Seattle and later at a high-end rehab center, the movie provides a peek into the world of lower-rung Hollywood. Apart from Leonard and Gregg, the primary characters include Allie (Kathleen McNearney), Leonard's periodic sweetheart and ambitious actress, and Marcus (John Hodgman), Leonard's successful actor pal whom he frowns at.

Themes and Tone
"Treatment" is a darkly humorous depiction of the desperation that underlies the relentless quest for fame and success in Hollywood. It looks into themes of ambition, jealousy, relationship, healing, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. The film noticeably contrasts the glamour generally associated with Hollywood and the actual battles of Leonard, which adds to its distinct tone and unique humor.

Critical Views and Conclusion
Reception to "Treatment" was generally positive. Critics admired its capability to efficiently inform an engaging story with strong characters, regardless of being produced on a low spending plan. They also applauded the smart script and the subtle reviews of Hollywood it consisted of. Its depiction of addiction was also admired as sincere and unflinching, without letting it eclipse the movie's humor and energy.

In the end, Leonard's dream to succeed using Gregg's life story does not end up as prepared, triggering him to reassess what he genuinely values. He lastly confronts his ambition-driven manipulations and discovers a few features of friendship and integrity. "Treatment" efficiently uses humor to provide a fresh perspective on ambition and failure, making an engaging statement about the elusive nature of Hollywood success. While Leonard's strategy is eccentric and ridiculous, it also holds a mirror up to the lengths one might go to in their pursuit of fame.

Top Cast