This month, the British Film Festival is in town, and on Tuesday, I found myself the proud owner of one ticket to the movie Its Kind of a Funny Story.
I absolutely loved it!
The movie told the story of a 16 year old boy named Craig suffering from severe depression who, after a particularly close call with a suicide attempt, checks himself into a psychiatric hospital. Through a series of flashbacks and internal monologues, the audience learns about Craig's life: a kid from NYC, going to a high stress public school in The City, feeling like everyone is better than him at everything and that he is a failure at life, worrying about getting into the right college which will give him access to the right kind of life and consequently eternal happiness, trying to make his parents happy and do the right thing, cracking under the pressure. Basically, Craig's life tells the story of many a Gen Y teenager feeling overwhelmed with the high pressure lifestyle society expects from them. I for one can totally relate!
Anyway, in the hospital, one of the adult patients takes Craig under his wing. With the guidance of his new friend (and some pretty cliche sessions with a shrink), Craig is able to flourish and find himself. He learns that its ok to not want the "ideal" high power, high success lifestyle that society puts on a pedestal. He learns that its important to stand up for himself and to tell people what he needs. Perhaps most importantly, Craig learns that he has talent and that he is worth something. By the end of his stay in the hospital, Craig realizes that life is hard no matter what but its also soooooo worth it!
Such a fantastic movie and so inspiring. A great reminder to live life and just breath. If its out in your area, go see it!
... if its not, go pick up the book!
A fantastic first ever film festival experience.
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