Review of The Virgin Suicides (2000) by A K — 30 Nov 2009

In 1999, Sophia Coppola transformed Jeffrey Eugenides? The Virgin Suicides onto the screen. Six years prior when Eugenides released his first novel minimal enthusiasm was received, much like its visual counterpart experienced. A solid script, an impressive cast, and the creative eyes of both writer and director, left this genius piece of work underrated.

Coincidently, the story takes place in a 1970?s suburban community in Gross point, Michigan, similar to other works by Eugenides. The Lisbon Family, solely the five Lisbon sisters, are the focus to the plot line. Therese, Mary, Bonnie, Lux, and Cecilia live in very domineering home under their mother?s aggressive parenting styles. Their father, a timid and quite passive man, walks in the shadows of his wife?s controlling ways. It is through the eyes of the community, specifically five neighborhood boys who are infatuated with the sisters, that the destructed of the family is revealed. A well-rounded cast including James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Kirsten Dunst, and Josh Hartnett, bring forth the lives within this tragedy.

Not only is the story line captivating, but the underlying questions, sociological issues, and subtle symbolism, all demonstrate the immense creativity put forth. One must first wonder if the perspective in which the story is being told, creates for a reliable narrator? As a community, we love the outsiders that standout, the ones we can gossip about, the ones that will hold such mystery to our boring lives. The Lisbon Family is exactly that. Their role within this suburb community is shameful for the image the neighborhood desires, but also creates something for the others to talk about, to entertain themselves with. Secondly, the Lisbon house as well as their tree continues to rot away within the film. Does this symbolism the decay of family. Does the contagious disease that the family tree has spread, much like the catchable life-taking pain the sisters possess?

In Eugenides? novel, readers become aware of how suicide, isolation, control, decay, and infatuation can not only take hold lives but also perhaps twist perspectives. However, Sophia Coppola brings forth the visual magic of this unappreciated, agonizing tale of a misfit family, destructive bonds of sisterhood, and the watchful eyes of communities.