Thumbsucker

I've been reading this blog for a while, but this is my first post. So, hi everybody!

I recently enjoyed reading Walter Kirn's fascinating novel "Thumbsucker", so I was excited to see it adapted to film. I was pleasently surprised, and found it a funny and thought-provoking film. The sound track with Elliot Smith and the Polyphonic Spree is nice too.

I think this films deals with the idea that everything might not have an answer (or at least an answer that is as simple as we'd like). The characters mostly seem confused about one thing or another. Keanu Reeves plays an identity-confused dentist, who ends up only feeling sure that it’s ok not to be sure about anything. Tilda Swinton is a married mother and nurse who tries to win a date with a tv star, but eventually treats him at a rehab center. And Vince Vaughn is a debate teacher trying to fit in with his students.

The story wanders around a bit, just as Justin (the main character) seems to be looking for purpose. He is not a protagonist with a clear-cut objective, nor does he have concrete obstacles. But that’s usually how life is and it’s sometimes good to take a look at ourselves and see how funny, sad and inspiring it can be as we try to find our ways around.