Prozac Nation, an important movie

by my_nick

Don’t ask me why the distribution company held this movie back, it’s based on a true story as told in the bestseller book with the same title. And with strong directing and fantastic convincing acting by Christina Ricci (who co-produced the movie) and Jessica Lange one would think the studio knew the distribution network should know that they had a hit (you listen Miramax?).

As the Elizabeth (Christina) starts her days at Harvard we are gradually tossed into the beginning of her severe depression. We gradually take part in this young girls very paranoid and disturbed sense of reality. The movie keeps a very subjective narration technique that takes you deeper into her mind. It’s never far between her highs and lows, and as we escalade towards her almost self-destruction flirting with (as normal kids do) drugs and sex the movie never stoops to self-pity or banal solutions.

Though the movie is cleverly set on a rough grain film and edited by good standard, but it is Christina that carries the movie. She should have an Oscar for this. Not to forget Jessica Lange who plays the mother, and gives one of her best performances in years, the interaction between the actresses feels so real that you would think they where related.

But this is really more than just a movie. It now puts on film what the book once put in writing; a very clear self-observation of a very difficult situation that too many goes trough. It can sure if not teach help people see and understand. Verdict 9/10 – a must see!

[this is a rough sketch of the article due to time pressure, article will be updated soon]