Review of Prozac Nation (2003) by Roxanne R — 08 Nov 2009

I want to point out a few important facts about this movie:

* Film is based on a true story and was a best selling autobiographical novel by Elizabeth Wurtzel played by Christina Ricci who does a superb job as a talented young writer who earns a scholarship to a prestigious Ivy League school (Harvard).

*In the USA alone, more than 300 million prescriptions are filled every year for Prozac and other anti-depressants.

So what is the movie about? Although unsure at first if she should go, Elizabeth decides to attend Harvard because she sees it as her chance to escape the pressures of her working-class background and concentrate on her true talent. However; what begins so promising leads to self-destructive behavior and a paralyzing depression that indeed reflects an entire generationâ??s struggle to navigate the effects of divorce, drugs, sex and high expectations. This film explores the issue of depression and how it can affect the one you love and those around them..Jessica Lange stars as Ricciâ??s mother who gave another great performance with Anne Heche as the psychiatrist. Frankly this is a very emotional and sad movie because depression can be a very debilitating illness which can lead to suicide if not taken care of by a professional and by medication.

I have not read the book but watching the film gave an excellent idea of what depression is and feels like...It does have a good or should I say uplifting ending so I recommended it.