Elyse Waksman - It's Kind of a Funny Story

Elyse Waksman

APLAC – 1

Ms. Taylor

12 February 2012

Review of It’s Kind of a Funny Story

            An off-beat story filled with personal growth and quirky, lovable characters, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, is undoubtedly one of the best comedy-dramas of our time (“Cast and Crew”). This film, based on the book by Ned Vizzini, is an unforgettable story of a boy struggling to meet the demands of the people in his life, stretching himself thin (“Story”).

            The movie begins with 16-year-old Craig, played by Keir Gilchrist, having recurring dreams of suicide. One morning when he awakens, he realizes everything has become too much for him to handle. In a panic, he checks himself into the psychiatric ward of a nearby hospital, unaware that he would be required to stay for at least five days. As he is taking his tour through the sterilized halls of 3 North, as they call the ward, Craig immediately changes his mind, hoping to receive a “quick” solution and to return home by the time school starts the next day. But since this is not possible, Craig has the opportunity to be transformed by the interesting, yet disturbed patients surrounding him. Bobby, played by Zach Galifianakis, is a grown man who refuses to tell Craig his own story and sometimes acts like a child. He teaches Craig how to live and not worry so much, quoting Bob Dylan (“He not busy being born is busy dying”), and in turn learns to face his problems and accept help when it’s offered (“Bob Dylan Quotes”). Another patient, Noelle (Emma Roberts), with scars on her wrists and face, becomes a love interest for Craig, forming a relationship based on his true self. Outside of the hospital, Craig feels pressure from his parents; his best friend, Aaron (Thomas Mann), who is perfect at everything he tries; and his teachers, creating a mountain of depression he can neither handle on his own nor find the strength to discuss with anyone. But inside 3 North, he finds comfort in openness, revealing an artistic part of himself that even he didn’t know existed. By the end of his stay, Craig has fallen in love with Noelle and gotten in touch with what he really wants—no longer pursuing what his parents want for him. But he realizes that he isn’t completely healed, just that he now thinks he can handle everything better than before. The movie avoids seeming trite and unrealistic by emphasizing that he still has much more progress to be made.

            An exceptional comedy-drama has characters with great chemistry and unexpected dialogue. It’s Kind of a Funny Story definitely demonstrates these qualities through Galifianakis’s deadpan delivery and Gilchrist’s wide-eyed wonder and youth. Roberts’s straying from the social norms of teenage girls, balanced with her honesty and defiant independence, contributes to the mixture. The other patients, ranging from schizophrenics to former acid-addicts, add dashes of color and comedy. Movies like this must have a dramatic plot with a plausible resolution. This film, though its content only spans five days, shows Craig’s transformation from an insecure and stressed out teenager to someone on the way to self-discovery and happiness. Moreover, the movie elaborates on the heavy impact his newly found candor has on everyone around him. His openness leads to Aaron and Aaron’s girlfriend, Nia (Zoë Kravitz), both admitting they feel depressed sometimes as well. Craig’s parents begin to realize the seriousness of his situation, and they begin to accept what he wants for himself. Bobby learns how to handle an interview and lands himself a spot in a group home. Noelle finds comfort in Craig, especially because he never asks her about her scars; he expects her to tell him when she is ready. And most of all, Craig’s stay affects his own life—he remembers what it’s like to just breathe rather than force himself to remain under the pressures of summer program applications and schoolwork. But the progress Craig makes does not outstretch what is believable; it just goes to show how much can be accomplished by putting things into perspective and asking for help. This development is not only realistic, but it also teaches the audience a lesson, a rare bonus in modern-day films. Almost all movie genres, from horror films to romantic comedies, should contain some symbolism. It’s Kind of a Funny Story is teeming with symbols, such as Craig’s “brain-maps.” He turns to art when staying at 3 North and begins these paintings that give him release from his everyday pressures, and they symbolize how confusing, yet beautiful, the inner workings of the different characters are. After painting a map of his own mind, he goes on to tackle those of Bobby and Noelle, showing his growing understanding of who they are. All of these qualities contribute to the excellence of this film, making it memorable and unique.

            The composition of this film is such that the audience can’t help laughing out loud when five-year-old Craig utters a curse word in dismay, or marvel at Bobby’s levity when sneaking out of the ward dressed as a doctor. Scattered with moments of despair, humor, and love, this movie captures the essence of self-discovery and is sure to capture the hearts of many an audience with its eccentricity and whimsicality.

Works Cited

“Bob Dylan Quotes.” Brainy Quote. Accessed on 12 February 2012. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/bobdylan121500.html.

“Cast and Crew.” Focus Features. Accessed on 12 February 2012. http://focusfeatures.com/its_kind_of_a_funny_story/cast-crew.

“Story.” Focus Features. Accessed on 12 February 2012. http://focusfeatures.com/its_kind_of_a_funny_story/synopsis.