67
Metascore
10 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThis autobiographical tale of a 10-year-old boy coping with his mother's severe illness boasts terrific performances from its three leads -- Joe Pantoliano, Marcia Gay Harden and young Devon Gearhart.
- 80VarietyVarietyFirst-rate performances, an uncompromising point of view and a fresh take on a well-worn movie subject -- madness.
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertMarcia Gay Harden finds a fine balance between madness and the temptations of overacting. Yes, she runs wild sometimes, but always as a human being, not as a caricature.
- 75New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickHarden and Pantoliano (especially) can be two of the most over-the-top performers in the business, but they don't strike a false note in Canvas - and neither does this heartbreaking movie.
- 70Village VoiceVillage VoiceGreco's sincerity is so palpable that the frequent uplift feels deserved, but with just-passable filmmaking and the demeaning score, Canvas falls somewhere between powerful indie and made-for-TV diversion.
- 70The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenA movie that rings emotionally true, despite structural contrivances and dim, washed-out color.
- Canvas is a thoughtful, sweet film that handles its difficult topic--schizophrenia--with tact and tenderness.
- 63TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghTV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghOften rings painfully true, but would have benefited from judicious editing.
- 63New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanThough Harden has the showier role, a subdued Pantoliano is the movie's real star. Sometimes, the quietest performances are the most powerful.
- A sincere, slow-paced drama about a Florida family dealing with schizophrenia, Canvas is never terribly convincing, despite being inspired by writer-director Joseph Greco's life growing up with a mentally ill mother.