Thoughts on: The Virgin Suicides


Having seen other works from Sophia Coppola (Lost in Translation, Somewhere) I knew what to expect, but I still wasn’t prepared for the surrealism that permeates through “The Virgin Suicides”. Within the first 30 seconds I was enthralled; unable to guess what would happen or how things would play out. The basic plot of the movie is utterly depressing, and yet the somewhat alien interactions between the sisters (and their interactions with the world) negate this depression to the point of being a pleasant curiosity. And yes, it’s as unusual as it sounds.

It’s the kind of movie that makes you sit there at the end, staring dumbfounded at the credits, soaking in exactly what it was you just saw. Absolutely nothing is resolved or explained by the end, and yet it remains extremely satisfying with no real questions remaining. It should by no means be described as “entertaining”, at least not in the traditional sense, but instead as “compelling”. It’s definitely not for everyone.

Kirsten Dunst deserves major credit for her acting. Every second she’s on screen she steals the spotlight, in much the same way Scarlett Johansson does in “Lost in Translation” – dialogue really isn't necessary. From start to finish she captivates and allures the audience, not only leading us through the story of the Virgin Suicides, but embodying it.


9/10


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