“Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides, from the novel by Jeffrey Eugenides, has a strange and slightly unwholesome intensity…” quoted Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian.
The Virgin Suicides is an American drama that was released in 1999 staring Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett, James Woods and many others, including a special appearance from Danny Devito. It is very apparent throughout the film that it was made in the late 90s, but I suppose it adds to the charm of this twisted dark comedy.
There were a lot of laughs when I first previewed the movie, and it is still unclear to me whether the makers intended that or not. The story is one of depression and mystery and is quite a tragic tale. However, throughout the entire thing, the characters would act in such a strange way that you had to laugh from just pure confusion and anxiety.
The Virgin Suicides is about an upper-middle class family in the 1970s. The five daughters, all between the ages of thirteen and fifteen, are odd, mysterious and enchanting to the boys across the street. CAUTION: this is a coming-of-age movie for the lost teenage soul. Chicken noodle soup should be a requirement when watching the film.
Now, this is not intended to be a spoiler alert, but the movie is about suicide. The first time we see this is in the opening scene, which is both shocking and very brutal. Do not worry though, because the movie is jam packed with awkward teenage moments that instantly lighten the mood, such as: first loves, first hookups and first betrayals that remind you why it is amazing to not be in high school anymore.
Is this the greatest movie ever? No, not at all. I would not even call it a classic. However you should still see it, because everyone needs that cheesy movie they can cry and laugh at with friends or lovers or family.
This film is hilarious at times and completely mortifying at others. Everyone needs to experience this roller coaster of emotions; and at the very least it is amusing to see Kirsten Dunst’s peak. So go out to 5th Avenue Cinema Dec. 6-8, see the movie and have a great time!
5th Avenue Cinema is free for PSU students, $3 for other students and $4 general admission. Visit 5thavenuecinema.org/upcoming-films for show times and a full schedule of other films being screened over fall quarter.
