Based on Susanna Kaysen's acclaimed journal-memoir, Girl, Interrupted bears inevitable resemblance to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and pale comparison to that earlier classic is impossible to avoid. The mental institut... more »ion settings of both films guarantee a certain degree of déjà vu and at least one Oscar winner (in this case, Angelina Jolie), since playing a loony is any actor's dream gig. Unfortunately, director James Mangold seems to have misplaced the depth and delicacy of his underrated debut, Heavy, despite a great deal of earnest effort by everyone involved. It's easy to see why Winona Ryder chose to star in (and executive-produce) this nearly worthy adaptation of Kaysen's book, since it's a strong vehicle for female casting and potent drama. Mangold certainly got the former; whether he succeeded with the latter is not so clear. To be sure, Ryder conveys the confusion and chaos that signified Kaysen's life during nearly 18 months of voluntary institutionalization beginning in 1967. But the film seems too eager to embrace the cliché that the "crazies" of the Claymoore women's ward are saner than the war-torn world outside, and lack of narrative focus gives way to semipredictable character study. Susanna (Ryder) is labeled with "borderline personality disorder," a diagnosis as ambiguous as her own emotions, and while Jolie chews the scenery as the resident bad-girl sociopath, Ryder effectively conveys an odyssey from vulnerable fear to self-awareness and, finally, to healing. The ensemble cast is uniformly superb, making this drama well worthwhile, even as it treads familiar territory. If it ultimately lacks dramatic impact, Girl, Interrupted makes it painfully clear that the boundaries of dysfunction are hazy in a world where everyone's crazy once in a while. --Jeff Shannon« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 9/23/2022...
Funny, yet not funny because it could be happening to people right now.
Tiffany A. (Tiffany-Fawn) from SMYER, TX Reviewed on 11/3/2014...
I have always enjoyed this movie, I'm so glad that I was able to get it from another member!
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wayne F. (WWIIpfc) from COLORADO SPGS, CO Reviewed on 4/19/2014...
Atrue story; almost unbelievable
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Nancy W. from CHARLOTTE, NC Reviewed on 1/10/2011...
Truly desturbing and that's what it's suppose to be!!!
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Nancy G. (tamnesia) from BRYAN, TX Reviewed on 6/13/2010...
Don't care for Winona or Angelina much at all, but Angelina is outstanding in this flick. I will watch it again!
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Andrea S. (asilvey) from ORLANDO, FL Reviewed on 6/7/2010...
This is a favorite of mine! I have watched this movie over and over and never grow tired of it! Angelina Jolie gave a stellar performance in this movie!
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Eva S. (Eva79) from TOWNSEND, MA Reviewed on 1/2/2010...
A psychological coming of age drama set in the 60's("Maybe I really was crazy. Maybe it was the 60's. Or maybe I was just a girl... interrupted.") this is a powerful tale that has an all star cast( Angelina Jolie, Winona Ryder, Brittany Murphy and Whoopi Goldberg)to name a few. Based on the true life experience of author Susanna Kaysen it follows her admittance into a mental institution after high school graduation, the friends and foes she makes there and her journey to self discovery. I love this movie, its humor,it's sadness and even some of it's darkness. Thumbs up.
5 of 6 member(s) found this review helpful.
Christi S. (Kris) from FREMONT, CA Reviewed on 11/28/2008...
Angelina Jolie in an earlier role as her usual edgey self! This is a story about coming to terms with adolescent struggles and being faced with some serious choices about making different choices or ending up back in the same predicaments. Will tug at many different emotions throughout the film.
4 of 5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jessica L. (Ryeth) from DURHAM, NC Reviewed on 1/21/2008...
An intense, well acted movie. Angelina Jolie shines in this movie as a very disturbed girl. Set in the 60's.