Production
Summary
 Comfortably
Numb tackled the issues of addiction, and in an exciting departure from
traditional drama, featured actors supported by a cast of real recovering
addicts and counsellors to explore their world in a way that could never
have been achieved through traditional techniques. This two-hour film
for Channel 4 was broadcast on Channel 4 in 2004 garnering significant
press attention. Comfortably Numb follows the story of Jake – who
drifted into alcohol addiction. A reluctant patient at Promis, a specialised
treatment centre, he starts a relationship with a newcomer, cocaine addict
Emma. The pair deny that their reliance on each other is interfering with
their recovery but are banned from seeing each other. But after a drug-fuelled
night, things escalate and they must choose whether to return to their
old ways or tackle their self –destructive behaviour
Key
Production Staff
Comfortably
Numb is written, produced and directed by acclaimed documentary filmmaker
Leo Regan (100% White, Cold Turkey) and executive produced by Jane Featherstone.
|
|
“Regan’s
non-invasive… style works brilliantly… Matheson does a terrific
job as Jake, as does Rebecca Palmer.” Daily Telegraph
“Although Hans Matheson and Rebecca Palmer, as two of the
patients, are so beguiling that they run the risk of making addiction
appear glamorous, the drama gives off the unmistakable reek of authenticity.”
The Eye
“Challenging… gruelling… it held
your attention tight and highlighted the unpleasant truth that addicts
embody: we’re all one step from the abyss… potent and raw…”
The Guardian
“Comfortably Numb is a thoroughly persuasive
and engaging narrative. Intelligent and probing; explorative rather than
campaigning… Regan doesn’t just film people, he enters into
a dialogue that questions himself as much as them. It’s not an easy
way to make documentaries, but it’s a surefire way to capture the
essence of what it is to be human.” Time Out
“A remarkable piece of TV… Why the sad, messy process
of rehabilitation should be life-enhancing to watch, I don’t know,
but it is.” Radio Times |
 |
|
Cast
Hans Matheson
(Dr Zhivago) leads the cast as Jake, with Rebecca Palmer as Emma. The
supporting cast, none of whom are professional actors, are recovering
addicts. Most have themselves received treatment at Promis and now work
as counsellors and trainee-counsellors at the treatment centre. The supporting
cast includes Ben Asprey (Bob), Lucie Benjamin (Mel), Julian Gilmore (Charlie),
Michael Simmons (Paul), Robert Le Fever (Robert), Linda Stevens (Lara),
Alan Cox (Alan) and Lorraine Lucas (Heather). |
