Archie's Final Project

Archie's Final Project, a 2009 independent film, emerges as an innovative, gritty, and emotionally chargeable voyage into the psyche of a teenage boy grappling with depression and life's fundamental questions. Layered with deeply thought-provoking themes, the film is a magnificently crafted piece of art that focuses on the raw, unfiltered realities of teenage life and mental health. Also known as "My Suicide," the film bagged multiple awards and received critical acclaim, particularly for its authentic portrayal of teen life, unbiased inflection on mental health, and intriguing narrative form.

The protagonist, Archie Williams, played by Gabriel Sunday, is a media-savvy high school student - with a captivatingly creative mind and a dry sense of humour. Archie's mental health struggles are formidable, and in his senior year, he undertakes his final project: a film documentary exploring the 'most banned of all topics' – his impending suicide. Archie's intriguing approach to the subject captivates his peers' attention and creates a swirl of uncertainty and anticipation around him. The unconventional narrative and the dark premise ignite curiosity and a sense of unease as the movie treads a fine line between alarming reality and teenage angst.

David Carradine features in his last film role as Vargas, a genuinely eccentric public access television producer who becomes Archie's mentor. Vargas is compelling, complicated, and offers a crucial perspective on life and death. His character and interaction with Archie give the movie an additional layer of depth and complexity. Mariel Hemingway, playing the role of Charlotte, Archie's mother, brings a powerful authenticity with her portrayal of a parent struggling to comprehend her child's torment.

Archie's Final Project is not your run-of-the-mill teen movie. It's a raw, honest, and visually gripping narrative that employs a seemingly jumbled yet profoundly impactful array of media formats—home videos, school projects, television clips, and online chat sessions—mixed with a traditional storytelling rhythm that results in an intense sensory experience. This mixed-media approach gives the movie a distinct style and an unparalleled sense of realism, making it profoundly relatable, especially to the younger generation.

The supporting cast of characters amplifies the movie's complexity and depth. They confront layers of emotional chaos, playing essential roles in Archie's life and interweaving their own complicated life stories. There's Sierra, Archie's love interest, who is unattainable and laden with her own set of troubles. Moreover, the inclusion of Ravi, Archie's best friend, adds layers to the storyline with his own struggles.

The film’s narrative skilfully takes us beneath the surface of raw teenage experiences - beyond romantic interests and typical high school drama - and dives deeper into the profound, darker realities of living. It explores feeling isolated in a hyper-connected world, the paradox of bared souls hidden behind screens, mental health stigma, and the poignant call for help often lost amidst the fizzy unintelligibility of adolescent behavioural oddities.

Notably, the film escapes the trap of romanticising suicide or glorifying mental health crises. Instead, it presents an unflinching look at the feared topic of suicide in a manner that urges contemplation and conversation. It expresses the importance of being seen and heard, especially when one feels painfully invisible in the midst of a crowd.

The film's striking cinematography complements its thought-provoking narrative. An excellent mix of digital and film elements, varying film speeds, and dynamic changes in filming styles present a distinct visual language that enhances the story's impact.

The soundtrack, a carefully curated assortment of underground rock, pop, jazz, and classical music, lends a pulsating beat to the narrative, blending seamlessly with the film's structure and mood.

Archie's Final Project is a must-watch film that deftly distills chilling philosophic existentialism into a touching tale, delivering a cinematic punch that resonates deeply. The brave storytelling, unfiltered portrayal of troubled teenagers, and excellent performances by the cast make this film an important artistic contribution to discussions about mental health, adolescence, and suicide. It lingers on in the mind beyond its cinematic view, prompting introspection and chatter on seldom discussed but deeply significant societal issues.