Louis Theroux: By Reason of Insanity review – Louis really doesn’t look out of place in a psychiatric hospital

Theroux is on the hunt for stories – and they are some stories! His film gives a genuine insight into mental illness

I n a corridor in an Ohio state psychiatric hospital one Sunday, two men talk by the vending machine. “Is there a reason you can’t get a drink with caffeine in it?” asks one. The other, who appears to be more familiar with protocol round here, explains that the policy was recently changed, now caffeine is only allowed on weekdays, before noon.

“You know, it’s disappointing, because I do like to self-stimulate, using caffeine,” says the first. Seemingly put-out by the caffeine ban, he paces in an agitated way. “I guess I’ll get water for now, is that what you’re getting?” he goes on, as if looking for some kind of reassurance or approval.

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