Thumbsucker

When you get to the end of Thumbsucker, it's kind of like turning off an emotional blender you've just spent an hour and a half spinning around in. But I guess after I left the theatre I was a little sad, not because the movie left me feeling like that, but because it's a damn shame that such a fantastic film will be seen by such a small audience. Truly Thumbsucker is one of the best American indi flicks I've seen in the last three years, and the 3rd best of the year behind Crash and A History of Violence, which were ironically also very small budget and Candian produced films. Getting to the actual review of Thumbsucker... The movie plot itself is not overtly original, it's a teen angst drama centred around some poor misfit who's life seems to be somewhat of a train wreck, but with a lovely twist. He still sucks his thumb. What's wonderful about the movie, and is a very intelligent decision by first time director Mike Mills, is that the movie isn't about the thumbsucking problem. It's about the kid with the thumbsucking problem. He lives in this dreary old town that could be anywhere, and the lead character is so universal, every kid who's ever felt alienated, rejected, isolated, different, and akward can totally relate with this character. And this is essentially what makes the movie work, it doesn't fly for everybody, but if you get into the world of that lead character the movie is magical and moving. It definitely plucked a few of my heart strings, and Lou Taylor Pucci, who plays the lead, is so smart as an actor. He doesn't overract, as is the inclination for so many young actors, but goes with a subtle, powerful silent performance. And he's supported incredibly well by an ensemble cast that delivers a phenomal performance all around. Very well cast by Mike Mills again, who's directorial skill will hopefully be seen again in the near future. The movie's not perfect though, as is the case with almost all indi flicks, but the errors are small and you get so wrapped up in the movie you barely notice. But the cinematography is weak, and at times even a little unprofessionally bad. Then there's about a 5-10 minute interval in the middle of the movie where it starts to sag and isn't as emotionally moving, which is nobody's problem except for the screenwriter. Who actually does a pretty nice job considering he's writing stuff we've seen in about a hundred other movies. The film also features a beautiful and very powerful score by the Polyphonic Spree, who normally I'm not a big fan of. But recently I've quite enjoyed their stuff in this movie and 2004's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Also integrated are songs by the late singer/songwriter Elliot Smith, who fits a couple songs so well into the movie it's like he wrote them for it. Definitely a soundtrack to pick up. Well summing up, definitely a film to see. I loved it personally, but it isn't for everybody, older folks wouldn't appreciate it as much. 3rd best of the year!