Watch Broadmoor: A History of the Criminally Insane

Broadmoor: A History of the Criminally Insane from 2013 is a documentary film that delves into the history of Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric hospital located in Crowthorne, Berkshire, England. The film is directed and narrated by David Wilson, a former prison governor and criminologist who has extensively researched the topic of criminal psychology and the treatment of mentally ill offenders.

The documentary begins by setting the context for Broadmoor's establishment in the early 19th century. At the time, there was no specialized mental health care available for criminals who were deemed insane or suffering from psychiatric disorders. These individuals were often housed in prisons or workhouses, where they received little or no treatment, and were subjected to inhumane conditions and abuse.

The film traces the evolution of Broadmoor Hospital from its inception as an institution for the criminally insane to the present day. Through interviews with former staff members, patients, and experts in the field of forensic psychiatry, the documentary offers a nuanced portrayal of the hospital's history, shedding light on the challenges faced by those who have been deemed unfit to stand trial or who have been found guilty of serious crimes but are also suffering from mental health issues.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the way in which it explores the changing attitudes towards mental health and the treatment of offenders over time. In the early centuries of the hospital's existence, patients were often subjected to harsh and inhumane treatments such as "refrigeration therapy," in which they were blasted with ice-cold air, or the use of straitjackets and other forms of physical restraint. The film shows how these practices were gradually phased out, as professionals began to adopt more humane and evidence-based approaches to treatment, such as the use of therapy and medication.

Another striking aspect of the documentary is the way in which it balances the perspectives of different stakeholders involved in Broadmoor's history. Interviews with former staff members provide insight into the challenges of working in a high-security environment, where staff members must balance the need for safety and security with the goal of providing compassionate care. Patients, too, are given a voice, and their accounts of their experiences within the hospital offer a glimpse into the human dimension of this complex institution.

The film also explores some of the high-profile cases that have been associated with Broadmoor, such as the case of Peter Sutcliffe, also known as the "Yorkshire Ripper," who was convicted of murdering 13 women in the 1970s. The documentary offers a sobering perspective on the challenges of rehabilitating and treating patients with severe mental illness and a history of violent behavior, raising important questions about the balance between punishment and rehabilitation in the criminal justice system.

Overall, Broadmoor: A History of the Criminally Insane is a sobering and thought-provoking documentary that offers a nuanced and balanced perspective on one of the most complex and challenging issues in the field of criminal justice. With its commitment to honesty and transparency, the film offers a valuable resource for anyone interested in mental health, forensic psychiatry, or the treatment of offenders.

Broadmoor: A History of the Criminally Insane is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.