Review of Running with Scissors (2006) by Sean M — 18 Dec 2012

I haven't read "Running with Scissors," but I definitely plan to after seeing this adaptation. Two similar films that spring to mind are "The Virgin Suicides" and "The Ice Storm," both set in the 1970s and both revolving around dysfunctional families.

That's only a surface description of these films, though; they all share a melancholy poignancy and dark humor as well as excellent performances. Annette Bening and Jill Clayburgh are the standouts in "Running with Scissors," but Gwyneth Paltrow does a nice turn as the droll, disturbed Hope, and newcomer Joseph Cross projects the necessary combination of vulnerability and toughness that this character needs.

I even found myself tearing up at the end. Despite the emotionally heavy situations that the film delves into, it never feels forced, always remaining true to its characters as they stumble, fall, and (occasionally) get back up.