December 29, 2006

Little Miss Sunshine

What a bit of sunshine can do in the most hopeless of situations!

A hilarious tragic-comedy that'll have you in splits while it breaks your heart. Situational humor that makes you forget the dysfunctionality of the family within which it happens. A streak of stray sunshine that momentarily obliterates the bleakness that surrounds a family ready to fall apart; parents on the brink of a divorce, a delusional father but a step away from bankruptcy, an overwhelmed mother who's recently been burdened with her thirty year old brother who is gay and suicidal, a war veteran grandfather who is obsessed with sex, a teenage son who has muted himself and lies buried in Nietzche while forced to share a room with the suicidal uncle. The only redeeming feature is Olive, the 9 year old, whose hundred watt smile could brighten a universe. She is competing in the final rounds of the "Little Miss Sunshine" beauty pageant that she is destined to lose because of her obvious little paunch; a result of her love for 'good food'!

I'm embarrassed to label the movie a comedy; even apologetic for finding it funny. The humor depicted was at the cost of a family's happiness; something I completely disregarded or was oblivious to, while reeling under peels of laughter in the movie hall. The fact I could do that, says a lot about how akin we are with situations such as those presented in the movie. I wonder if that is a statement on the society we live in? Are we to understand that dysfunctionality within a family is quite the norm? That we can calmly pass it by, even ignore it, and then go a step beyond to find humor in the bizarre situations that it creates? The next question that comes to mind is about the writer's intent. Was he holding up a mirror to society and smirking when he saw his audience laugh? Or else, like the rest of us, he's developed an immunity to this dysfunctionality that exists, and can now create humor, even while family values are being trampled on.

A must see for anyone who appreciates low key 'n top quality humor, rendered by some fine actors in unique situations that speak volumes for the storytellers creativity.

17 comments:

starry said...

Thanks for the preview.Have not seen the movie but sounds good. My best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful and prosperous New year.

Jotabello said...

I love this kind of tragic-comedy.
I have a lot of movies to see 'cos of ur reviews....
Happy new Year!!

EXSENO said...

I thought it was going to be just a light hearted comedy.
Maybe what they are saying is one needs some humor to survive the hard times?
Really good review, now I really want to see it.

EYE said...

Sounds damn cute:) Will look out for it...

karmic said...

Lovely review. This movie is next on our netflix Q.
Have a happy and great new year!

AVIANA said...

Hi,

Awesome movie! I loved it!. Haven't been on blog in a couple of months but I'm back. Happy New Year!

Lisa

Sharique said...

The best dialogue of the movie you don't learn anything when you are happy. You live some of your best moments when you are depressed :)
Happy new year

Dr. Deb said...

Can't wait to see this movie!


Deb at
http://drdeborahserani.blogspot.com/

Isha' said...

We probably do have it in us, to make fun out of other's sufferings.

It takes you to be in the sufferer's place to realize. But that is not sufficient condition, perhaps.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for writing about the movie. This movie was a random choice for me one night when I felt extremely bored. Had not expected much out of it but was in the same state of mind as yours when I walked out of it. Was wondering why we want to humor such situations. May be because we feel so helpless about them sometimes that the only way to deal seems like to laugh at them. Dont know if I make much sense but will still share my 2 cents. NG

net-net4 said...

Dropping by to say Happy New Year to "I Me My" poet...
I read your fine analysis about this film... I saw it as well...
Yes real sad funny situations...

Net-Net4

Saurabh said...

How badly I wanted to see this film.
It is also rated pretty highly on Rottentomatoes - but such movies will never see the light of day - here in India :(

Will probably have to go torrent hunting ;)

Anyways, here is wishing you a very happy new year. :)

Id it is said...

NG,
Thanks for stopping by.

Coffee-Drinking Woman said...

Happy New Year!

Nandi23 said...

happy new year to you too Id!

haven't seen this movie, your review makes me feel as if I missed out on something good:(

Anonymous said...

very nice review... i felt the exact same thing when i watched it some weeks ago.

and somehow I feel every family is dysfunctional in some way or the other... some of it may look extreme to us... but may not be to the family...

a must watch....

Anonymous said...

I must admit that this is a great review. It made me laugh just by reading it!

PS- I will watch the movie!
-U.N