“Running with Scissors”
Directed by: Ryan Murphy. Starring: Joseph Cross, Annette Bening, Brian Cox, Alec Baldwin, Evan Rachel Wood, Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes.
“Running with Scissors” is a coming of age film so unbelievable it must be true. Based on the popular memoir of the same name, it chronicles the strange haphazard life of Augusten Burroughs. Burroughs, played by Joseph Cross, is an only child raised primarily by his unstable mother, Deirdre (Annette Bening), and his alcoholic, nearly absentee father Norman (Alec Baldwin). Augusten is captivated by his mother, who at first, seems more passionate than mad. She even lets him skip school- what more could a kid want from a parent? Before long her destructive behavior and fantastical idea of her career, which is actually very depressing in comparison, leads her to seek psychological help.
Psychologist Dr. Finch (Brian Cox) is an eccentric himself, prescribing five hours of therapy a day to the Burroughs following their first visit. Deirdre buys into Dr. Finch’s methods, and Augusten finds himself spending more and more time with Dr. Finch and his strange family.
The Finch’s rival the Burroughs in eccentricities. Their bright pink, disorderly home reflects the people within. Dr. Finch’s wife is a lonely, dog food eating oddball. Their children, adopted and biological, are Hope (Gwyneth Paltrow), Neil (Joseph Fiennes) and Natalie (Evan Rachel Wood). Hope assists her father in his practice, and follows his lead every step of the way. Neil is a troubled, lost soul, who lives in the Finch backyard. Natalie is a bit damaged by her surroundings, but is aware, as Augusten is, of the absurdity of their family. Augusten and Natalie form a bond, based on their shared negative regard of the Finch lifestyle.
The performances in the film are very good, as is the writing. However the overall story is similar to many independent films, where eccentricities are often on show. What makes this film better than others is the knowledge that it’s based on a true story. It’s definitely one of those situations, where if not for that fact- it would be too farfetched to believe.
Story: B
Acting: A-
Visuals: B-
Originality: B-
Enjoyability: B
Overall: B
|
