My Review - Girl, Interrupted

Rating: 6/10 (27 December 2012)

Though this film isn't for everyone, a combination of strong acting and elements of realism make it interesting at the very least. Though Girl, Interrupted isn't necesserily a "new" film, it is one I have only watched for the first time recently. Overall, I was pleased with what I saw though my feelings are mixed.
As far as positive aspects are concerned; the acting is top notch and this is unsurprising judging from the actors involved. Both Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie present powerful performances with strong supporting actors ensuring the film never flakes in the acting department. As well as the acting, the atmosphere the film creates is successful in being unsettling and even disturbing at times. Often I found myself feeling I was watching more of a horror film which isn't a bad thing as a majority of the subject matter is dealt with realistically and with an intense approach.
There is very little wrong with this film for what it is however what doesn't feel right unfortunately has a major impact on what I thought of the film as a whole. It feels good, like it should be a film I praise and give artistic applause however I had one major problem - the pacing. Pacing seems to give a film balance nowadays, making slow points in a story feel deep and necessary and, though none of the movie was particularly UNnecessary, it felt slow and I relied on the end for what the film should be - interesting and absorbing.
That being said, I don't think the film would be what it is without all the build up - it's just that there's so much of it. I thankfully expected this after I was informed that it's based on a book and real events though this film appealed to my artist-film-maker side as opposed to my film-fan side. Overall, I would recommend this movie if you like psychological, character-driven films or feel like a thought-provoking feminist piece of cinema.
6/10