Running With Scissors

I read the book Running with Scissors about a year ago…. It had been on bestseller list long before I had decided to pick it up. Truthfully, one day I was reading a film-buzz press release which contained news about the film and cast, which caught my interest. Essentially, I read the memoir, for the movie. And now I see that it is impossible to review one without at least considering the other.

“Running with Scissors” is based on the memoir, of the same title, written by Augusten Burroughs. Augusten’s story is unlike any you have likely heard before. Because it seems quite the trendy thing, these days, there has been a lot of speculation that his story is enhanced and embellished. I think, sometimes, we get caught up in controversy, for controversy’s sake. It’s irrelevant really. This is his story, and as tragic as it tends to be, he tells it well.

Augusten begins the big screen version of his story, as a small boy. Through his child-eyes we see his parents, their marriage and how he dreams: Dreams of fame for his artistically poetic mother, and footsteps of his own, following right behind her. We speculate that his father (Alec Baldwin) may drink too much.… We realize that his mother (Annette Bening) seems incapable of thinking of anyone other than herself. As an audience we are drawn in by Augusten’s beckoning blue eyes, sympathizing with his family and charmed by his childlike optimism, despite obvious emotional neglect.

Time fast forwards several years, and suddenly Augusten is roughly fourteen. His parents have gone from disagreeing, while still tolerating one another, to full blown rage. His father’s alcoholism is confirmed, as is his mother’s narcissism. Things escalate to an apparently violent state and Augusten’s mother, Deirdre, seeks out the professional help of Dr. Finch (Brian Cox). The real story, in my opinion, begins here, as the Burroughs’s marriage crumbles, Deirdre seems to grow more and more mentally unstable, and Augusten is eventually forced to move in with Dr. Finch and his bizarre family.

There isn’t really a reason, or way, to further explain the plot. It’s random, and something that could only make sense if written out in an entire screenplay, or memoir.… Suffice it to say, “Running with Scissors” is not a film for everyone. If you read the book, and enjoyed it, than I recommend the movie. A few pointless characters are left out; several impertinent details are tamed down, altered or left out completely. Some things that were altered, like the dynamics of the relationship between Augusten and Neil, really change a large part of the story, but, other than that, I felt it was a great adaptation.

For those who aren’t familiar with the book, we learn about halfway through the film that Augusten is gay. As soon as Augusten’s best friend Natalie (Dr. Finch’s daughter, played by Evan Rachel Wood) learns this, she thinks to set him up with her adopted, schizophrenic 35 year old brother Neil. A relationship develops between Neil and Augusten, though most affection and intensity happens off camera. I felt that, considering the subject matter, their relationship was portrayed very tastefully.

Negatives:

• In addition to Augusten being gay, his mother later decides that she is a lesbian. Neither of these story lines become the main focus of the story, but the audience is always aware that this is their reality.
• The language is quite strong, but, even on this, I have to admit I was surprised. Considering the book again, I had expected it to be far worse.
• The very nature of how Dr. Finch practices psychology is disturbing. At times, one can’t help but watch his character unfold and think “this man is genius,” but he isn’t. He is disturbing, and the very thought that this memoir is based on truth is nothing short of tragic. It’s both frightening and thought-provoking that anyone would allow a therapist this much control over their life.
• Profanity aside, there is dialogue that takes place in a few scenes, which is crass and unnecessary.
• There is a scene where Dr. Finch believes God has spoken to him by the way a bowel movement appeared in the toilet. It’s outlandish, but many Christians may be quite offended during this 5 minute episode.… Although God is quite thorough and involved in the details of our lives, the very idea that he would choose to speak to us in this manner is disgusting. Most would agree that only someone imbalanced would come to a conclusion like this, and maybe that was the point.… I think it’s okay to laugh, though; it’s a funny scene. Dr. Finch himself exclaims that God has a great sense of humor, and I happen to agree!
• The Finch family seems to find much of their spiritual guidance from Bible dipping. (The act of randomly opening the Bible, asking a question and pointing to a word—that word being the answer…) Actually, the older Finch daughter Hope (Gwenyth Paltrow) even compares this to a magic 8 ball.
• There very idea that no one objects to Augusten (14) being in a sexual/romantic relationship with a 35 year old is sickening. Later we learn of one of the Finch daughters also having a similar experience, and the results of that relationship were perverse and heartbreaking. There is nothing sweet about this idea. It’s abusive and illegal. It isn’t funny.… On a positive note, the film (and book, for that matter) in no way portrays this as a positive experience….

Truthfully, there are probably other things that aren’t coming right to my mind. This isn’t a movie for those easily offended. It isn’t heartwarming or sweet. It isn’t one of those wacky comedies where moments are funny, but often they are both sad and humorous. Most of the movie is intense.

Positives:

• There is no way that I can spotlight one actor and their role in this film. Every character is played by someone well known and incredibly talented. On the film’s trailer, they stated that they were introducing Joseph Cross (Augusten), but actually he has quite an extensive television history. The performances in this movie are among the strongest I have seen in film this year. The orchestration of this cast was incredibly well brought together, as well as carried out.
• There is a scene between Agnes Finch (Jill Clayburgh) and Augusten, which is deeply moving. Actually, now that I think back, there is a beautiful level of chemistry between them in every scene they are in together. Between them, so much is unsaid and yet spoken. The one scene in particular though, while the two are alone at the dinner table, left me deeply touched. They have another powerful scene near the end. Actually, in a way, these two scenes make the movie for me….
• At one point Augusten goes on a bit of a rant in his journal, about how he wishes his life were…—the guidance and structure he longs for. This realization is truly beautiful. Our society places so much emphasis on giving our kids freedom to make mistakes and choices. To a degree, this is a healthy way to enable them for adulthood, but whether they realize it or not, they do long for parents as well. This scene is worded perfectly and acted out even more perfectly….
• “Running with Scissors” has one of those really great, nostalgia-inducing soundtracks. At times, a particular song would seem so out of place and distracting to a scene, only to wind up being just that…—a mellower, a distraction from a heaviness that was better relaxed a bit.
• I can’t say it enough, subject matter and offenses aside, this movie was well done. The performances, the cinematography, direction, and editing. The wardrobe couldn’t have been more perfect, at times comical, yet sophisticated. Each scene is so aesthetically pleasing, warmly-hued, while still being visually vibrant.

There are deep and meaningful things to be found in Augusten’s story. When I closed the back cover of the memoir, a year ago, I knew it had altered me a little. Tonight, as I left the theatre, I felt that once again. Though most movies can’t hold a candle to the books which inspired them, there are aspects in this film which became much more powerful acted out rather than simply being read about.

Violence: Mild / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Minor