Review of Boy Interrupted (2009) by Richard T — 17 Aug 2009

Death has, for quite some time, been a fascination of mine, with suicide being one of the most interesting types of death, for me. So, seeing a film that about a 15 year old who commits suicide and who, the film openly states, has always had a fixation with death, seems like it should be right up my alley. Not surprisingly, the film is right up my alley. However, as a documentary I do not think there is really much of note going on in the film. No huge reveal is made, and even the speculation is minimal. It is interesting that nothing is condemned, that is refreshing I suppose, but the film also does not really show anything new. Essentially, if you have lost someone you can probably relate with the parents, if not you probably will not be able to no matter how hard the film tries. It's pretty good technically, the direction is solid and the film possesses a clear polish, but nothing earth shattering. I was never really engaged emotionally, and going against the son's final wishes seems like a huge mistake from my perspective, but I still really enjoyed my time with the film. That's all personal though, I think any film is made instantly better when it involves suicide, documentary or otherwise. I cannot imagine others finding much to like about this film though, unless they really like death and suicide and stuff. Whatever, I'm giving it a good mark.

C+/B- or 3.2928472148623482634723.