This is a film that I loved the first time I watched it, however, once I applied my critical eye to it I felt compelled to drop its rating a bit. Don't get me wrong...this is a strong, but questionably Oscar worthy performance for Angelina Jolie...however, having read the book since viewing the film I've become acutely aware of the potential of this film. Now, I know I shouldn't try to compare a film with a book...but, quite simply, sometimes it's impossible to not go there. The film is based on a true story...that of Susanna Kaysen and her 18 month stay in a mental hospital in the 1960s. The film has quite the competent cast...including Winona Ryder, the aforementioned Jolie, Jared Leto, Whoopi Goldberg (Is there a film she's not in? Oh, that's right...she wasn't in LOTR), Vanessa Redgrave, Jeffrey Tambor, Brittany Murphy (who captured a Young Artist Award for her performance), Joanna Kerns (yes, the mom from "Growing Pains") and others...

The script, perhaps trying too hard...bounces around...and spends too much time selling the drama. It bounces between boring and melodramatic abruptly and inappropriately quite often. Of course, this was also my slight problem with Jolie's performance. I also, sadly, didn't buy into Ryder's performance here in the lead...I wanted to...I really did...I even thought, originally, that she'd been well cast. Yet, she was so clearly outshined by Jolie that I lost interest in her character.

Still, the film has its strong points and does a decent job of addressing mental health issues. It's worth a rental, and fans of Jolie or Ryder will likely find it enjoyable. For others, read the book

© Written by Richard Propes

How We Rated This Film TC Candler - D Richard Propes - B- Jacob Hall -

TC Candler's Comment

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Jacob Hall's Comment

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