tender and intelligent

Rating: 9/10 (2 October 2001)

I have not read the book, but the movie, I'm sure does justice to Susanne Kaysen, whose story it is. The movie is crafted intelligently and tenderly not being judgemental at any stage. The movie does not take sides, does not judge insanity or "borderline personality disorder". The movie is just a beautiful account of what's happening to a girl, interrupted.
I haven't lived in the sixties either, but somehow the movie seems to tell me the exact confusion of a young adult at that stage. A person who does not want to grow up. Refusing to accept reality. The troubles in Susanna Kaysen's mind are highlighted excellently by the talented and beautiful Winona Ryder.
The dialogs in this movie are, in my mind, some of the best ever. The dialogs express beautifully Susanna Kayson's thoughts .. I wonder how much of it is from the autobiographical book.
Speaking of dialogs one cannot ignore the oscar winner Angelina Jolie, she shines through the movie and is one of my favorite actresses now. A deadly combination of raw sexuality & impeccable caliber - one of the best scenes in the move is at the ice-cream parlor, Jolie : "Some advice, okay? Just don't point your f*&$in' finger at crazy people!"
Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder are two good resons to watch this brilliant movie over and over again. On the whole one of my favorite movies of altime.
A terrific 9.