Canvas

Canvas

Year: 2007

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Joseph Greco

Drama

A poignant drama focusing on ten-year-old Chris Marino, whose life is profoundly impacted by his mother's schizophrenia. His father, John, struggles to provide for his family while desperately seeking treatment for Mary. As their already strained family faces increasing challenges, a crisis forces a difficult intervention. Chris and John are left feeling helpless as they witness Mary's struggles and the disintegration of their family's stability.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Canvas (2007)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Canvas (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film does not specify a particular time period, but it conveys a contemporary setting where issues surrounding mental health awareness and family dynamics are increasingly relevant. The struggles faced by the characters resonate with ongoing societal conversations about mental illness today.

Location

South Florida

South Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, warm tropical climate, and vibrant culture. The region offers stunning coastal views and is a popular destination for both tourism and local residents. In this film, it serves as the backdrop for the Marino family's struggles with mental illness.

🏖️ Beach 🌴 Tropical

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Main Characters – Canvas (2007)

Meet the key characters of Canvas (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John (Joe Pantoliano)

John is a struggling working-class father who experiences the toll of his wife's mental illness on the family. He grapples with feelings of isolation and despair but ultimately seeks to reconnect with his son, Chris. Through his journey, John demonstrates resilience and determination to keep his family together.

👨‍👦 Fatherhood 💪 Strength

Mary (Marsha Gay Harden)

Mary is portrayed as a loving mother who battles schizophrenia, leading to significant challenges in her relationship with her family. Her struggle with mental illness causes her to lose touch with reality, impacting her ability to connect with her son. Through her art, she tries to reclaim her identity as a mother amidst her turmoil.

🎨 Art 🧠 Mental Illness

Chris

Chris is the son of John and Mary, navigating the complex emotions surrounding his mother's illness. He seeks independence while dealing with feelings of disappointment and anger at his family situation. As he pursues his own interests, Chris evolves and learns the importance of connection and support.

👦 Identity ✂️ Creativity

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Major Themes – Canvas (2007)

Explore the central themes of Canvas (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Mental Health

The film offers a poignant look at mental illness, particularly schizophrenia, and the impact it has on families. It addresses the stigma associated with mental health challenges and the struggle for understanding and acceptance. The journey of Mary, John, and Chris highlights both the pain and resilience of individuals facing these issues.

👨‍👦 Family Bonds

Family dynamics are central to the film, showcasing the struggles and disconnection caused by mental illness. John and Chris's evolving relationship reflects the challenges of maintaining bonds when faced with adversity. The eventual reconnection through shared activities emphasizes the importance of support and understanding within a family.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Unlock the Full Story of Canvas

Don't stop at just watching — explore Canvas in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Canvas is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Canvas Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Canvas, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Canvas Summary

Canvas Timeline

Track the full timeline of Canvas with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Canvas Timeline

Canvas Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Canvas that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Canvas Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Canvas

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Canvas: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Canvas

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