Is 55 Steps Based on a True Story? Ending Explained, and Plot
by A Maria | Updated Apr 28, 2023
55 Steps
"55 Steps" is a drama film directed by Bille August and released in 2017. The movie stars Helena Bonham Carter, Hilary Swank, and Jeffrey Tambor, and is based on the true story of Eleanor Riese. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 and was later released in Germany on May 3, 2018. The story follows a mentally ill woman, Eleanor Riese (played by Helena Bonham Carter), who seeks legal representation to fight against the involuntary use of medication in a psychiatric hospital.
Teaming up with a lawyer, portrayed by Hilary Swank, Eleanor Riese takes on the hospital and the pharmaceutical industry, while Jeffrey Tambor plays the role of her sympathetic roommate. "55 Steps" garnered acclaim for its performances and portrayal of the challenges faced by those with mental illness.
Is 55 Steps Based on a True Story?
The film "55 STEPS" is a touching true story of the unlikely bond between Eleanor Riese, a patient in a psychiatric hospital who has been mistreated, and her attorney Colette Hughes, a dedicated patients' rights lawyer. Helena Bonham Carter stars as the witty and unconventional Eleanor, while Hilary Swank plays the driven and overworked lawyer. Despite their differences, the two women form a close relationship as they fight against the psychiatric establishment to improve the conditions for patients.
Throughout their legal battle, Eleanor Riese takes Colette Hughes under her wing and becomes a mentor figure. This dynamic leads to an inspiring and heartfelt journey that is both emotional and humorous. Along with an award-winning cast, the film tells a heartwarming story with sincerity and authenticity. The film premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival and saw a theatrical release in Germany on May 3, 2018.
55 Steps Cast
Helena Bonham Carter
Eleanor Riese
Hilary Swank
Colette Hughes
Jeffrey Tambor
Mort Cohen
Tim Plester
Robbie
Michael Culkin
Judge Farelly
Jonathan Kerrigan
Dr. Bardy
CAST
CHARACTER
55 Steps Plot
The story revolves around a woman who has been committed to a psychiatric facility. The film highlights the historic court case Riese v. St. Mary's Hospital and Medical Center, which challenged the assumption that involuntary treatment was permissible for patients detained under an initial three-day hold and subsequent fourteen-day hospitalization.
The California State Court of Appeals ruling in 1987 gave these patients the right to make informed decisions regarding the use of antipsychotic medication, except in emergency situations. If they refused treatment, a judicial determination of their incapacity to make treatment decisions was required before involuntary treatment could be administered. The case was brought to court as a class action suit by the California ACLU, representing patient Eleanor Riese.
55 Steps Ending Explained
As "55 Steps" comes to a close, viewers are left with a sense of curiosity about the film's two intersecting stories. While the legal drama of Eleanor Riese's fight for informed consent is compelling, it is her unlikely friendship with her lawyer Colette Hughes that truly leaves a lasting impact. The film's no-nonsense direction and fine performances from Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank bring the stakes of the case to life, but at times the screenplay can feel overly dry. As the film ends, audiences may find themselves pondering the importance of informed consent and the power of human connection in even the most trying of circumstances.
55 Steps Review
If you're looking for a film that will tug at your heartstrings while also showcasing brilliant acting, then 55 Steps is a must-see. Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank deliver impeccable performances that are both moving and authentic. Despite the heavy subject matter, the film manages to strike the perfect balance between drama and realism, making it a truly compelling and emotional experience.
Carter's portrayal of Eleanor Riese, a mistreated mental patient who fights for her rights, is nothing short of astounding. Swank, on the other hand, plays her advocate, Colette Hughes, with equal skill and nuance. Together, they create a dynamic that is both heartwarming and inspiring. The film not only tells the story of a groundbreaking legal case but also explores the friendship that develops between two women from very different worlds.
Through their struggles, both characters are given ample opportunity to shine, and they rise to the occasion magnificently. Overall, 55 Steps is a film that deserves to be seen. It's a true testament to the power of human resilience and compassion, and it will leave you feeling both moved and inspired. So if you're in the mood for a high-quality tearjerker with top-notch performances, look no further than this outstanding movie.
About 55 Steps
Directed by
Bille August
Written by
Mark Bruce Rosin
Starring
Release dates
Countries
Language
English
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
Is 55 Steps Based on a True Story - FAQs
"55 Steps" is a drama film based on the true story of Eleanor Riese, a mentally ill woman who seeks legal representation to fight against the involuntary use of medication in a psychiatric hospital. She teams up with a lawyer, portrayed by Hilary Swank, and together they take on the hospital and the pharmaceutical industry.
The movie stars Helena Bonham Carter as Eleanor Riese, Hilary Swank as her lawyer Colette Hughes, and Jeffrey Tambor as her sympathetic roommate.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 and was later released in Germany on May 3, 2018.
The film received acclaim for its performances and portrayal of the challenges faced by those with mental illness.
Yes, the movie is based on the true story of Eleanor Riese, who fought for the right to refuse medication in a psychiatric hospital.