"Wristcutters: A Love Story" Review

Mary's Review

After my last posting on Harold and Maude, you may have seen this week's movie review title, Wristcutters, and wondered if I am stuck on writing about suicide- trust me, its purely a coincidence! Try not to make any assumptions about this movie based on its name; its not a horror, nor is it a heavy, depressing tearjerker. Wristcutters is an eccentric, independent, dark comedy with a bit of romantic longing.

The movie stars Patrick Fugit, the all-grown-up cutie from Almost Famous, and Shannyn Sossmon, the beautiful and talented indie actress.

When the lead (played by Patrick Fugit) kills himself, he is transported to a bizarre, grungy afterlife reserved for those who take their own lives. This is where he meets Shannyn Sossmon, who is on an odyssy to find "the people in charge." On their journey together, they come across some strange, and mysterious characters.

One of the highlights of the film is Will Arnett (from Arrested Development), who plays the wacky cult-leader, "Messiah."

I watch a lot of indie films, and Wristcutters is truly a unique, artistic, and fun ride. This is a great date movie and will lend to plenty of giggles and conversation. I don't want to give too much away, so I will just hope you let Wristcutters take you on an unlikely adventure.

I hope you come back soon to post your comments about the film!

General Information

• Released in 2007.
• Watch the official Wristutters trailer.
• Browse photos of the stars of the film. .
• Read an interview with the Writer/Director, Goran, Dukic.
• Movie is based on the book Kneller's Happy Campers by Etgar Keret.
• Wristcutters has received 9 wins and 5 nominations.
• The New York Times called it "an odd, touching adventure" and "genuinely eccentric" (http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/10/19/movies/19wris.html)
• "The Sundance '06 film has received several festival nods including the audience award at the Wisconsin Film Festival and the best director prize at the Seattle International Film Festival as well as best first time director from the Philadelphia Film Festival. The film also took best feature from the Gen Art Film Festival. " http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0477139/awards

Peer Reviews

"What a goofy concept; I never want to live in a place like that! I loved the ending." -Melody, Age 23

"It’s such an original piece of work and I love the deliberately bleak cinematography." -Richard Roeper (from RottonTomatoes)

"This affectionate slow-blooming romance mines an understated vein of comic melancholy that the actors' wistful performances perfectly capture" -Justin Chang (from RottonTomatoes)