Gabriel Byrne Joins Trippy R.D. Laing Biopic ‘Metanoia’ (Exclusive)

Gabriel Byrne is joining David Tennant, Elisabeth Moss and Michael Gambon on Metanoia, which chronicles noted Scottish psychiatrist R.D. Laing’s attempts to create a safe haven for people diagnosed with psychosis and schizophrenia.

Laing (Tennant) was known as the “acid Marxist” for advocating the use of LSD. He became a leading figure in the “anti-psychiatry” movement. His 1960s treatment center, Kingsley Hall in London, aimed to revolutionize mental-illness treatment, with no locks on the doors or anti-psychotic medicines. However, it became notorious for drugs, parties and visits from mystics, and some of his inmates regressed to infancy.

The film is being directed by Robert Mullan, who has written several books on Laing. The project is due to start shooting in the U.K. in January.

Metanoia is a co-production between London-based Gizmo Films and Bad Penny Productions, with Charlotte Arden and Harriet Hammond producing. Phin Glynn and Peter Gerard Dunphy are executive producing.

Double Dutch International is handling international sales at AFM.