Thumbsucker (2005)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Mike Mills

Writers:

Walter Kirn (novel)
Mike Mills (written by)

Release Date:

28 October 2005 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot:

Justin throws himself and everyone around him into chaos when he attempts to break free from his addiction to his thumb.

Plot Keywords:

Debate | Drugs | Teacher | Teenager | Dentist

Awards:

4 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Ted Beckman	...	Stoner Guy
Benjamin Bratt	...	Matt Schramm
Vincent D'Onofrio	...	Mike Cobb
Arvin V. Entena	...	Perry Lyman's Assistant
Tyler Gannon	...	Stoner Chick
Kelli Garner	...	Rebecca
Allen Go	...	Biology Teacher
Dakota Goldhor	...	Girl on Plane
Walter Kirn	...	Debate Judge
Kit Koenig	...	Principal
Sarah Lucht	...	English Teacher
Eric Normington	...	Hotel Desk Clerk
Nancy O'Dell	...	Herself
Lanette Prazeau	...	School Nurse
Lou Taylor Pucci	...	Justin Cobb (as Lou Pucci)

MPAA:

Rated R for drug/alcohol use and sexuality involving teens, language and a disturbing image.

Runtime:

96 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:M | Canada:14A (British Columbia/Ontario) | Ireland:16 | Canada:13+ (Québec) | Singapore:NC-16 | Brazil:16 | Argentina:16 | Finland:K-11 | Japan:PG-12 | Germany:12 | South Korea:15 | Norway:11 | USA:R | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Beaverton, Oregon, USA

Company:

Bob Yari Productions

Trivia:

Scarlett Johansson was originally cast as Rebecca Crane, but she dropped out shortly before filming and was replaced by Kelli Garner.

Goofs:

Incorrectly regarded as goofs: Justin is charged $3.20 to mail a Business Reply envelope which is clearly marked "Postage Will Be Paid By Addressee". However, it is possible he intends to send it Priority Mail, which would have cost $3.20 in the time period of the original novel.

Quotes:

Dr. Perry Lyman: You are not alone. You are not afraid. You don't need your thumb, and your thumb doesn't need you.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Filmography: Keanu Reeves" (2005)

Soundtrack:

Spirit of Reiki

Not your typical teenager

"Thumbsucker", one of the most original movies playing locally, deserves to be seen by a wider audience. Mike Mills, its director, has adapted Walter Kirn's novel with honesty and integrity, giving the viewer a picture of a young man and his family at a difficult time in their lives and how they relate and cope with the situation. This is no typical teenage coming of age as interpreted by Hollywood.

The film is an intelligent account of Justin's life and what makes him act the way he does. His home life seems to be the root of all the problems and his addiction to suck his thumb is a way to escape reality because he finds comfort in doing so. Justin is clearly a teenager in turmoil because he doesn't fit in the large scheme of things.

"Thumbsucker" makes a valid point about how easy it is to prescribe drugs for what seems to be afflicting Justin: Attention Deficit Disorder. In fact, what those pills are doing are creating a false security blanket for the young man, who awakens in time to realize the drug he is taking a form of "speed".

The work by Lou Taylor Pucci in the film is amazing. As Justin he shows an intelligence and naturalness well beyond his years. Tilda Swinton and Vincent D'Onofrio are seen as the confused parents. Keanu Reeves and Vince Vaughn make excellent appearances in roles that are different to what they usually play.

The film work because the good ensemble Mike Mills assembled for the movie.