It’s Kind of a Funny Story, really isn’t
By Megan Carroll
It’s Kind of a Funny Story, directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, created some sort of fantasy mental ward that, just likes its patients, has no real connection to actual reality.
We meet Craig (Keir Gilchrist), a bright 16-year-old student who oozes torment and obsession. Dealing with a competitive school life, pressure from parents and, of course, girl trouble, Craig begins to fantasize about taking a header off of the Brooklyn Bridge. Frightened by these images, he decides to check himself into a mental hospital and quickly regrets the decision.
The “kiddie” ward is still under construction, so we find all the crazies, old and young, together in one big security-lacking ward. This is where we meet Bobby (Zach Galifiankis), a family man plagued by demons who befriends Craig almost immediately. Bobby seems to have all of the answers for everyone but himself; and where would we be if Craig did not have a love interest while he is taking his mini “va-cay”? Enter sensitive Noelle (Emma Roberts), who plays the stereotypical cutter of the group.
Soon, Craig finds himself the rock star of Ward 3 North, where he is known as “Cool Craig.” The shy, anxious Craig we met no less than 30 minutes ago has transformed into a cool kid who finds the confidence to take charge of his life. Wow, I am so glad those five days in the mental ward, a musical montage, a pretty girl and a wingman can solve depression and give you all of life’s answers. I am booking my stay as we speak! He even figured out that he wants to be an artist because as we all know, everyone is born with something that they can do perfectly. It’s not like people walk around depressed because they feel they where born missing purpose or a talent … oh, wait …
Don’t get me wrong, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s idea that crushing depression doesn’t have to mean an early departure or a padded room makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but in a world where teen suicide is an everyday headline, is this really how we should be looking at this increasingly troublesome problem? That don’t-worry-you-will-figure-it-out attitude or it-will-get-easier reference is a good idea in theory, but I just don’t feel it is that easy.
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