It's Kind of a Funny Story
Teen mental health journey in a psychiatric hospital
About It's Kind of a Funny Story
Released: 2010
Platform: Netflix
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1h 41m
Cast
Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, Viola Davis, Lauren Graham, Jim Gaffigan, Zoë Kravitz, Zach Galifianakis, Aasif Mandvi, Lou Myers, Jeremy Davies
About It's Kind of a Funny Story
"It's Kind of a Funny Story" is a comedy-drama film released in 2010, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. The movie is an adaptation of Ned Vizzini's 2006 novel of the same name. The story revolves around a 16-year-old boy, Craig, who checks himself into a mental health clinic citing exhaustion and finds a new point of view on life during his five-day stay.
Making / Production
The film was directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who are known for their collaborations on critical hits like "Half Nelson" and "Sugar." They co-wrote the screenplay together, drawing from Vizzini's semi-autobiographical novel.
Actors
- Keir Gilchrist played the role of Craig, a teenager who learns about life, friendship, and love. Gilchrist portrayed the character with remarkable sensitivity and realness.
- Zach Galifianakis as Bobby, an adult patient in the mental health clinic. Galifianakis showed a more mature side of his acting prowess, different from his previous comedic roles.
- Emma Roberts played Noelle, a fellow teenage patient who forms a deep connection with Craig. Roberts delivered a compelling performance, bringing both vulnerability and strength to her character.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- The film is based on Ned Vizzini's real-life experiences with depression and self-hospitalization.
- Zach Galifianakis revealed in an interview that he based his character, Bobby, on his own uncle, who also struggled with mental illness.
- The painting that Noelle (Emma Roberts) is working on in the movie is actually a painting she herself created.
Awards
The movie did not win major awards but received positive reviews and praise for its honest portrayal of mental health issues and the performances of its cast.
Quotes
- "I didn't say make out, I said just to talk." - Craig
- "Life can't be cured, but it can be managed." - Dr. Mahmoud
- "You gotta be in the present like a baby or a dog." - Bobby
Music, Soundtrack
- The movie's soundtrack features a mix of indie pop and rock tracks which compliment the tone of the film.
- Notable songs include "Where Is My Mind?" by The Pixies and "Flash Delirium" by MGMT.
- The score for the film was composed by Broken Social Scene, known for their lush, artful arrangements.
About It's Kind of a Funny Story
A teenager checks into a mental health clinic and learns valuable life lessons from unique fellow patients.