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A powerful depiction of a girl's perspective on life. James Mangold's psychological drama Girl, Interrupted (1999) works wonders capturing a coming of age lethargy and a mind bending outlook on life. James Mangold's direction is so beautiful and creative. Mangold takes us on a girl's journey into adulthood by taking her moods and questions seriously. Susanna Kaysen's novel is striking source material with a notable attitude and poignant reflection. It makes for a refreshing script and dialogue that speaks directly to how teenage girls feel, think, and speak. Everyone sounds so real. Girl, Interrupted's editing by editor Kevin Tent is some of the most ambitious and artistic cuts I have ever seen. It takes time jumps and emotional sequencing to another level. You are constantly being stimulated and provoked with sudden edits to something being referenced or expressed. I loved it. Mychael Danna's somber score is stunning and as ponderous as Girl, Interrupted's characters. It's the perfect backdrop to a movie about the suffering, depressed, lonely, and afraid. The 1960's setting leads to fun and eclectic soundtrack choices that elevate scenes with a nostalgic and magical atmosphere. There is a palpable ambiance filled in with stark emotion through Danna's score and Mangold's choice of soundtrack. Winona Ryder is astounding and relatable as the troubled and depressed Susanna Kaysen. Her brave portrayal of borderline personality disorder feels genuine and expressive. Ryder adds a warmth and kindness to her dejected and frustrated character. Her narration is as moving as her dialogue. Winona Ryder deserves more praise for her performance in Girl, Interrupted. On the other hand, the always praised Angelina Jolie is as brilliant as described as Lisa Rowe. Her sociopath character is cruel, fun, funny, dangerous, frightening, upsetting, and enchanting. You want to feel bad for her, but Jolie keeps you at a distance until the exact moment she unleashes all her energy. I don't know how Jolie managed to pull off such a magnetic performance again right after Gia (1998). She earned her Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Girl, Interrupted. Clea DuVall is excellent as the tender and quiet pathological liar Georgina Tuskin. You are forced to take her word for her feelings and facts that all feel like she is hiding herself until the precise explosion of emotion. DuVall defines the silent observer with a painful remember of how isolated we can feel with her acting in Girl, Interrupted. She is just splendid in Girl,, Interrupted. Notably, Brittany Murphy is haunting as Daisy Randone, who experiences sexual abuse, bulimia, OCD, and self-harm. Murphy is gorgeous and disturbing in Girl, Interrupted, so much so, that she may be the most terrifying aspect of the film. It's like she is hopeless from the beginning and just gets worse. I think that makes Daisy all the more tragic. Her numerous issues are delved into just enough to let you know how she is trying to cope. I think Murphy plays it cool and fragile with just a brave face on, which feels apt for such a broken character. Brittany Murphy was a phenomenal actress and Girl, Interrupted remains a sublime example of her sublime skill. Rest in paradise, Brittany Murphy. Elisabeth Moss gives what is her best performance as Polly Clark. Her struggle to remain optimistic as a burn victim is endearing and heartbreaking. Lastly for the main cast, Angela Bettis is ghostly as the pale anorexic Janet Webber. Then, the supporting cast of Girl,, Interrupted is stuffed with talent performers. Jared Leto's Toby feels sincere and that is what makes his character so intriguing and sad. Kurtwood Smith is so kindly, cold, yet thoughtful as Dr. Crumble. Travis Fine is quiet, yet gentle and nice as the orderly John. Jeffrey Tambor's psychologist Dr. Melvin Potts is hilarious and affecting. Whoopi Goldberg's nurse Valerie Owens is as tough or tender as she needs to be. Finally, Vanessa Redgrave's Dr. Sonia Wick is careful and empathetic. In all, Girl, Interrupted succeeds thanks to steadfast direction, powerful source material, realistic writing, beautiful music, and mesmerizing acting. I hope you find it as inspiring and uplifting despite how dark and disturbing the themes are within Girl, Interrupted. It aspires to be so much and accomplishes even more.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Words cannot express my amazement at this film. Both Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie give performances of their lifetimes. The story is an unprecedented view of mental illness not to mention its treatment in the 60's. Despite the heavy content oh, there are also a lot of light moments and humor. Support performances were also amazing. This has become one of my favorite movies.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This film is based on a true story/autobiography of Susannah Keysen, who spent a lot of time in a mental hospital outside of Boston which was renamed in the movie. The movie is true to the bio. The acting is great. The leads were especially believable. The plot is riveting as Susannah struggles between getting well and continuing her life as "borderline," mentally ill with something she doesn't really understand. She has a tremendous bad influence in Lisa (Anjolina Jolie) and many positive influences trying to persuade her to accept help and be a whole, healthy woman. The movie is about her struggle between the dark and light sides of herself. Speaking of which, my criticism is that there are scenes which are too dark to view if you're watching in daylight, which is frustrating. I saw this in the theater and a few times at home before adding it to my library and I think it's a must have for anyone interested in the conflicts of the mind or just in some great acting.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
i loved it i had seen this movie before and it is very compelling i liked it and glad i bought it..!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Love this movie with Wynona Ryder as she plays this role magnificently. I think your moods can swing watching this movie about as fast as these characters can swing theirs in this institution. Whoopi and Angelina are great too.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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