Wristcutters Review
WORDS: Yasmin Begum (Youth Editorial Group)
Wristcutters: A Love Story (15, 88mins)?is a film directed by Goran Dukic about Zia, a man who commits suicide after a break-up with his long term girlfriend. However, not all goes to plan when he finds himself in a queer underworld where he joins others who too, like him, have ended their lives. Their world looks exactly like the one that we inhabit, apart from a few minor miscellaneous details here and there. It is bizarre, to say the least.?
Wristcutters was not given a particularly long release date over here in the UK in contrast to other indie films, but this is understandable; it has a particularly dark subject matter thus is not 'aimed' at a particular audience. I only saw it play at one cinema in Cardiff and suprisingly it wasn't Chapter. Despite these factors, Goran Dukic's first screenplay and directorial debut has been to critical acclaim, picking up an impressive string of nominations and awards for his efforts.?
It puts a different spin on the traditional and overdone genres of 'romantic comedy' and the cinematography ? most of which was filmed on the plains of America ? is truly mesmerising and adds to its originality and the moody, melancholy ambience. It is well written, directed and presented, and it provides a refreshing piece of cinema in a sea full of medicore blockbusters. It's original and totally different to other movies that you may have seen, and lures you into its charm, originality and most importantly, its storyline.?
The strong cast includes Patrick Fugit (White Oleander, Almost Famous, Saved!), Shannyn Sossamon (40 Days And 40 Nights, The Rules Of Attraction, I Hate You) and Shea Wigham (Lords Of Dogtown, The Killing Room, South Of Heaven). They all provide solid parts, and I doubt that many other actors could handle their complexitity. All have been in previous films that are only somewhat well-known, but I was thoroughly impressed by all of them. I enjoyed all of the various quirks about these eccentric characters (one character is heavily based on Eugune Hutz from Gogol Bordello).?
With a cracking soundtrack from 'famous suicides' such as Del Shannon (Blind Melon), Ian Curtis (Joy Division) and many more only matains the atmosphere. The music is perfectly suited to the film, without heavily leaning into that of the obvious.?
In conclusion, this is a gem; I would not be suprised if it grew to become a cult film. It revolutionises the romantic/dark comedy genre, without leading to painful cliche as is common with a movie such as this. Commanding, eloquent and extremely poignant. Wristcutters lingers in the mind long after the credits have finished rolling. I can't wait to see what Goran Duric has in store next.
Issues around suicide are covered here,?here and here.
