On P List of Movie Reviews
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Prozac Nation (2001)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
12/20, 12/21
12/20:
Christina Ricci is a long-time great actress, and it's Prozac Nation that she gives the performance of her career.
The subject matter is right up her alley, and it's a perfect selection. Films about drug abuse have been done to death,
but this one is rather different: the effects of prescribed psychotropic drugs.
At first, things appear fine, but when Elizabeth's mother shows up, it's painfully clear that she's the principal
root of her problems. The set of behaviors she displays makes for poor parenting. Then, add her father into the mix, and
it becomes volatile in the emotional sense.
Sometimes, Elizabeth is shocking by how self-destructive she can be. So, the only solution to her problems isn't
prescription drugs but to calm down and take it easy. But no...she keeps adding more imaginary pressure onto herself. At
any rate, I don't feel sorry for her and predict a short life. Unsurprisingly, the real Elizabeth Wurtzel died
this year at age 52.
If anything, I hate the psychologist's mannerisms. They're so condescending and superior that she should've adjusted them to
be more friendly and inviting. Instead, she may have fueled Elizabeth with more negative thoughts and anger during and
after therapy sessions. On the other hand, Jessica Lange shows why she's one of the finest actresses ever.
All in all, Christina Ricci and Jessica Lange are the strong reasons to see Prozac Nation.
12/21:
Christina Ricci has been a great actress for a long time, and it's hard to believe she wasn't Oscar-nominated for
Prozac Nation.
It's simply the best performance of her career. Jessica Lange is also terrific. Obviously, the daughter's problems stem
mainly from her mother, and thus, Elizabeth Wurtzel is a psychological mess. It has nothing to do with drugs or
Prozac for that matter. Unsurprisingly, the real Elizabeth Wurtzel died in 2020 at the age of 52.
All in all, Christina Ricci and Jessica Lange were robbed of Oscars for Prozac Nation.