Running with Scissors

Running with Scissors is a compelling 2006 film directed by Ryan Murphy, showcasing an all-star cast led by Joseph Cross, Annette Bening, Brian Cox. This unique semi-autobiographical memoir from the perspective of Augusten Burroughs provides an exploration of twisted family dynamics, mental health, and the unpredictability of human experiences, making it both darkly humorous and deeply poignant simultaneously.

Joseph Cross plays the young protagonist, Augusten Burroughs, masterfully delivering a memorable performance that involves a great deal of emotional depth and nuance. His performance encapsulates the bewildering experience of growing up in an environment filled with dysfunction and uncertainty yet also reveals the resilience and adaptability of youth.

The story begins focusing on Augusten's childhood; his mother Deirdre, played by Annette Bening, is a "wannabe" poet with bipolar disorder who struggles for recognition and success, all the while battling the challenges that come with her mental illness. Bening's portrayal of Deirdre is nothing short of spectacular in its authenticity, a testament to her immense acting prowess. It's through her we see raw emotion, dramatic swings between euphoria and despair, and the subsequent effects on those around her. Deirdre's unpredictable ways impact drastically on Augusten's upbringing, providing him with an unconventional childhood as each narrative twist reveals new facets of their relationship.

Brian Cox, playing Dr. Finch, becomes an essential character in the film, as he is the unconventional psychiatrist who becomes the main guiding adult in Augusten's life. Cox's performance is as unorthodox as his character, managing to balance between titular control and chaotic erosion.

Running with Scissors takes you down the rabbit hole of mental illness, seen through the eyes of Augusten. With the marriage of his parents unraveling under the weight of Deirdre's mental illness and ambiguous sexuality, his father Norman, played by Alec Baldwin, progressively becomes a peripheral figure in Augusten's life. Eventually, due to Deirdre's ongoing battles, Augusten is essentially 'given away' to be raised by her eccentric psychiatrist Dr. Finch and his unusual family.

This film is where domesticity clashes with eccentricity, formed through vibrant visuals and the avant-garde aesthetic of the Finch home that seems to explode with wild color and surreal ambiance, mirroring the chaos within its occupants' lives. Discordant family situations, bizarreness to the point of absurdity, strained interpersonal relationships, and a remarkable journey of self-exploration fill the screen, making it as thought-provoking as it is attention-grabbing.

Running with Scissors stands out by exploring the theme of resilience as we watch Augusten navigate these tumultuous circumstances, constantly seeking love, acceptance, and a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos. Various subplots involving the Finch family, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Evan Rachel Wood's characters, further showcase the film's exploration of idiosyncratic family dynamics.

The musical score and period-appropriate soundtrack enhance the overall narrative while adding depth to crucial scenes. The film uses a montage of visual storytelling techniques, aided by top-notch cinematography and intuitive direction to create a world that is equally confusing and captivating.

Running with Scissors is a movie about a young boy's coming-of-age journey in a world where the adults behave more like children and the rules of traditional family dynamics are knowingly ignored. Its dark humor, sense of irony, unexpected narrative twists, grounded performances and exploration of complicated family dynamics, all work together to create an unusual yet fascinating cinematic experience.

The content of Running with Scissors might not appeal to all, given its eccentric nature, but it's the sort of movie that sparks conversation and forces its audience to question the norms of society. One must appreciate its deftness in handling such complex themes and the commendable performances that bring an uncanny set of characters to life.

Running with Scissors manages to present a curious mix of humor, distressing reality, and makes an attempt to find beauty in the bleak. Consciously quirky, convoluted, surreal, yet surprisingly enlightening, the film is an artistic endeavor that touches upon the unpredictable and profound aspects of human existence.