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Prozac Nation

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source: Prozac Nation

I heard of it from the very start & took it 4documentary 4ages. Like M.Moore or Adam Curtis at least. Leftie, raving, snarling. Conspiracy, insane but juicy. My stupidest mistake. Haven't watched it though, just insinuated. Pity, that, now. Dumb-dumb. - Thought it 2b like Oswald Spengler, Alvin Toffler, Francis Fukuyama rolled in one. No, no it's not. A "feature film" w\so called "actors". A teenage-girl suffering from monthlies. A "true life story" that, by George. Oh, great... - I did not read the book. Possibly it's better than the movie, like Jeanette Walls' "Glass Castle" would be. - I can't unsee what I've seen now. And it is dead. An overpampered Harvard freshman has a......(can I add another 3 dots?) writer's block & is depressed by that. Who cares! Big deal! Have you smelled the intestines of the dead on your hands, my precious baby?

Christina Ricci proves herself worthy of top billing as she switches between sweet and frightening in seconds. She steals the movie. Well made, though ends too quickly with a bit to be desired in the end...like what happens next. The supporting cast isn't quite as exceptional, though Jason Biggs proves that he isn't merely a teen comedy actor, he flexes his acting muscles here. Anne Heche is run-of-the-mill, Michelle Williams is great as usual and Rhys-Meyers is basically eye-candy struggling with an American accent. All in all, the the film is powerful and alarming and underrated, definitely worth the time, if not for the nice cinematography in certain places, for Riccis brilliant performance.

I really enjoyed this movie, and as a sufferer of depression I felt that it really portrayed how we can feel about ourselves. I could relate to the main character and the moods she was experiencing, both before and after being on the medication. I think that Jessica Lang may not have been the best choice for the mother, as she seemed a little aged, considering she was portraying someone who had given birth while in college. But that would be the only fault I could find. I found Christina Ricci's performance to be outstanding, and very moving. And it did open my friends eyes to how some people struggle through life with this illness.

OK, depression is a difficult subject to portray in a movie. They usually manifest in late teens. Childhood trauma, for instance parental breakups are a big factor. The onset of depression can often be brought on by substance abuse. Self destructive behavior and self neglect are the trademarks. The incredible mood swings. The helplessness. The dysfunctional relationships. The frustration and desperation of carers and friends as they are hurt over and over again. This movie hits all the bases. The backdrop of Harvard provides a balance to the difficult context, if a little unrealistic. Christina Ricci does a great job. There is a strong supporting cast. For anyone who suffers or anyone who has a friend who suffers this movie could help. But then again, it might activate some demons that you don't need to face right now. Be careful. Simon

The film Prozac Nation absolutely fails to convey the essence of the book. I expected to experience the same as from the novel, but soon realised I am watching some banal film. Instead of deeply psychological depiction of depression and the inner hell of person, the film is a lousy teenage drama. I was terribly appalled at the ignorance or some other weird ambitions of the director. This could have been one of the greatest films (since the book is if not fantastic, then at least so clinically true and persuading), but became a disappointing failure. I could not believe it was so spoiled when watching it. Probably the director never experienced depression.

Great cast and well acted. It's a serious movie about real life, not a fluff piece to be watched for amusement. To me it seems balanced and realistic. I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews. Highly recommended.