I have a true confession.
I am drawn to films that offend the
sensibilities of the average American. I'm not
talking about films such as "Ichi the Killer" or
films with senseless, pointless and
mind-bogglingly offensive/violent material. I'm
simply talking about films that may, in fact,
violate even my own value system yet have such a
uniqueness or boldness to them that I find
myself in love with them anyway.
I love "Pumpkin", a film starring Christina
Ricci as Carolyn, a sorority girl at the peak of
her college career with a tennis star boyfriend,
money, looks and a seemingly perfect life. When
her sorority announces their service project for
the year as volunteering for the "Challenged
Games," Carolyn finds herself at first appalled
THEN awkwardly attracted to "Pumpkin," a
"challenged" athlete with a speech impediment,
mobility impairment and overprotective mother.
Carolyn's perfect life falls apart as those
around her protest this blossoming relationship.
As her life falls apart, Carolyn begins to
realize that the most beautiful person in her
life may, in fact, be the least perfect.
"Pumpkin" is a pitch perfect dark comedy. In
fact, it's so dark that there will be those who
wouldn't remotely consider it comedy. There are
strong tragic moments, blunt/offensive moral
lessons and a near complete absence of political
correctness. Ricci, who also served as one of
the producers of the film, has just the right
blend of yuppie preciousness and closet
humanitarian in her role as Carolyn. The beauty
of Ricci's performance is the complete lack of
apparent motivations- Is this impulsiveness? Is
this true love? Is this just common rebellion
against authority? There are scenes that would
indicate all three, and in the closing scene
Ricci leaves all doors wide open with a look
that could be interpreted in a variety of ways.
As "Pumpkin," Hank Harris offers a convincing and
warm performance with wonderful mastery of the
physical mechanics of playing a person with a
disability. I'll admit that I was initially
irritated that yet another film failed to
utilize a disabled actor in such an obvious
role, yet, I also had to acknowledge that until
I looked Hill up I wasn't completely convinced
he didn't have a disability. Yes, he was that
good.
In supporting roles, Brenda Blethyn adds a
compassion and dignity to the role of Pumpkin's
mother, a woman who lives her life for her son
YET may be the one thing that is holding him
back the most. As clear as it was that she
needed to let go, it was nearly impossible to
not feel deeply for her as she watched her
"little boy" grow up. Likewise, this film
offered Dominique Swain the opportunity to shine
for the first time in years as one of Carolyn's
sorority sisters who goes through a number of
changing attitudes herself. Finally, as
Carolyn's tennis star boyfriend, Sam Ball
balances his tragicomic character with balance
and just the perfect blend of energy and
attitude. On a fun note, if you look closely you
may notice a Travolta in a smaller role as
John's sister Margaret appears in the film.
Adam Larson Broder co-directed and wrote the
script, and I give him major kudos for not
holding back. I've never been one to seek
sympathy for growing up with a disability. I've
never really complained about the stares and the
laughs and the comments that I face on a daily
basis. "Pumpkin" is so perfectly spot on in
showing what it is like on many levels to grow
up with a serious disability that I found myself
laughing and crying and just completely shocked
that someone had the balls to show this stuff on
film.
I will acknowledge that I have yet to find any
of my friends who've seen this film that truly
embraced it on the level that I do. Mostly, I've
heard comments like "That would never happen."
"People would never be like that." Yet, when I
saw Pumpkin abandoned at the beach I was
instantly taken back to the time when I was
abandoned in a 50,000 seat auditorium because my
"date" wanted a closer view of the concert and
to visit with her friends. (despite the fact she
was with me AND I had bought the tickets). Yep,
this stuff really happens. That's far from the
only scene that rang true. This script's
dialogue, insight and plotline were offensive,
objectionable and uncomfortable BUT remarkably
true to life. Sadly, Broder has yet to direct or
write another film since this 2002 production
and had only directed "Dead Man on Campus" prior
to this film.
This film, which I consider one of my absolute
favorites, is a film I consider perfect in its
imperfection. There are definite issues in the
film, however, the film blends all the vital
ingredients of a dark comedy and grinds them to
stunning, almost painful perfection. "Pumpkin"
is a shining example of innovative and bold
independent filmmaking that challenges and
entertains. "Pumpkin" is guaranteed to offend
many, yet, the film offers appropriately
sparkling performances, an insightful script,
well-developed direction and a killer soundtrack
with a production design that enhances the
wonderfully enhances the varying moods of the
film.
If I could stand, "Pumpkin" would get a standing
ovation!
©
Written by Richard Propes
TC Candler's
Comment
A
scathingly funny and blisteringly satirical
romantic-comedy that rips apart the idea of
political correctness and the facades of
normality in our world. I haven't laughed this
hard at the movies in a long time! This
surprisingly touching movie is easily one of the
year's best films.
"Pumpkin"
is a mixture of genres. It could be described as
a comedy, a horror movie, an after school
special spoof, a drama or a romance.
The movie is masterful in that it is brazenly
corny. The acting, the music, the timing and the
dialogue is overtly campy... so much so that
some viewers will think that the film is just
plain awful. But everything in this film is
intended to evoke reactions and emotions that
are rarely tapped in movies. "Pumpkin" is one of
the more unique cinematic experiences in recent
memory.
Christina Ricci is mesmerizing in a tricky role
that borders on the edge of utter sincerity and
pure camp... this is her best work yet. The
script is as insightfully witty and clever as
any you've heard and the soundtrack is a must
for your collection.
This film will polarize!!! Most of you will love
it... some will loathe it. If you are hoping for
a sickly sweet teen comedy along the lines of
"Sugar & Spice" or "She's All That"... forget
it... you won't find that here. "Pumpkin" is
more of a cross between "Legally Blonde",
"Rushmore" and "Happiness".
Nothing is off limits in this film... it
ridicules all the fakery in our world!
Jacob Hall's
Comment
N/A
