There's comedy in Wristcutters, but the film isn't a light-hearted romp. There's a gloom and bleakness hanging over the picture. It's about a purgatory for people who have committed suicide, so it's quite fitting that those "living" in that purgatory can't smile. I didn't really smile either, though there were a plethora of well-earned chuckles.
There's a bit of a Water The Fish feeling for a lot of the movie - the world is strange and familiar at the same time. We can recognize it, but it's maybe a bit too mysterious. Much goes unexplained. The film's climax is a mess, but none of the characters actually seem that shocked or confused, so perhaps I'm overreacting.
I enjoyed it, though. Patrick Fugit was an excellent choice for the lead, as were Shea Whigham and Shannyn Sossamon in supporting roles. All can carry a similar deadpan, monotone, and bland tune like classical musicians. And that's not a knock on the performances at all. They fit perfectly into the odd-shaped holes the writer/director's script made for the characters.
I liked the love story, but to be honest I was more interested in these people being happy even in a world where that seemed impossible. That search for satisfaction was the chief attractor for me.
Great ending. Maybe a sloppy way of getting there, but still a big lift and pleasure at the end.
***1/2
1 comment:
Wristcutters is a great example of adaptation of story to film. What a film and what a story!!
I have loved Edgar Keret from the moment he started writing stories and can recommend his collection of short stories "The Busdriver Who Wanted to Be God" (Toby Press $12.95)to anyone. The last story in this volume "Kneller's Happy Campers" is the story that Wristcutters was based upon. If you like reading even half as much as you like watching movies: Enjoy!
Post a Comment