My Suicide

Just saw "My Suicide" at the Berlin Film Festival, where it was hidden in the "Generation" section for children's and youth-related movies. It is hard to describe the story and visual experience of this movie in just a few lines, so to spare you an extensive review, I'll just say this: "My Suicide" is one of the most powerful, most inventive and most thought-provoking movies in years, constructed in a tour-de-force of virtuoso editing (finishing this movie after principal photography took three years) that will blow the mind of any real film lover on this planet. And it is the most insightful, intelligent movie I have ever seen on the topic of teenage suicide. "My Suicide" is surely not only the best film of the entire festival, but one of the best films of this year - if somebody is daring enough to pick it up and distribute it properly. I pray for all movie freaks out there that somebody does.

I really enjoyed this touching, low budget indie. The film has a very unique style that I enjoyed, with the way it switches between it's daydream like animation and normal. Crazy, experimental, and inventive, but that's what makes it so interesting and special. It's different than anything I have seen and I found the visuals to be captivating. Maybe slightly dated, but that didn't detract at all for me. If anything, it gave me an early 2000's nostalgic feel.

It was surprisingly intelligent and insightful. Lots of tonal shifts, but it covers the whole emotional spectrum seamlessly. Heartwarming and heartwrenching at the same time and a sharp, witty sense of humor that captures the heart of the character and teenage angst well. It leaves you with lots of food for thought. It has some intriguing philosophy that leaves you with some fantastic quotes and monologues about its deep themes. It's relatable, though not meant in an edgy way. It brings up for discussion some of the darker thoughts that creep into everyone's mind sometimes.

Archies' character felt tangible, and there were well done portrayals of human anguish all around. I also really liked the movie's soundtrack. Although I realize this movie isn't perfect and I could understand if some thought it was flawed or cliched, for now it holds a sweet spot with me.

8.8/10

I can only agree with the other comments. MY SUICIDE is a true find, and will hopefully make its way into international cinemas. Despite the fine cast, including established thesps like Joe Mantegna, Mariel Hemingway and David Carradine, it is a true independent film with a small budget, but skillfully done, and spiced with such a sharp sense of humour, a lot of energy, heart and food for thought. It doesn't play dumb for the audience, but stays easily accessible throughout without ever becoming trivial. Main actor / co-writer / co-editor / producer Gabriel Sunday (here wrongfully credited with the role Holden, rather than Archie) shows so much talent that you can almost turn envious. There'll be more to see of him in the future for sure! The wicked editing and compositing, the multi-format footage, and the congenial animation add-ons never feel contrived, but spice the film with a young look that will hit the youthful viewers especially. You can watch MY SUICIDE just for entertainment (even after the laughable scenes get replaced by the more serious themes), you can watch it for pointers and understanding - your own troubles, your friends' or your kid's. But you should watch it nonetheless! Just hope you'll get the chance. Fingers crossed this film will get the publicity it deserves!

I just saw this movie earlier tonight at a screening, and I can honestly say that it was an excellent movie. I do hope that it gets a theatrical release. It was very different from any other movie that I have ever seen and I think that's what makes it so interesting and delightful. It is a little dark and has a lot of vulgar language, but that it was makes the movie so realistic and able to relate to. And then again, it is about suicide. Also, the movie has a great message and has a a compelling way to get through to the audience, and more importantly, the youth. Because the youth is what it is mainly targeting towards. Definitely go see it because not a lot of movies like this are out there.

I attended the North American Premiere of "My Suicide" at the 2009 SXSW Film Festival where it screened to a sold-out 1300-seat Paramount Theatre. I'm always looking for the "sweet little American indie." You can now add "My Suicide" to the list -- although "sweet" and "little" may not apply. It's more of a "heartwrenching big American indie." When his high school class is instructed to submit a class project, Archie Williams (Gabriel Sunday) has the perfect video in mind -- he'll film his own suicide. Classmates and adults alike reel in horror at the prospect, but some aren't so disturbed by it. Count among them the vivacious Sierra Silver (Brooke Nevin), every boy's wet dream, whose fascination with Archie's idea is puzzling to the self-professed loner. As friends, family, and an assorted flock of professionals come out of the woodwork in well-intentioned attempts to dissuade him from this act, he begins to wake up to the reality that he's not alone in his pain.

"My Suicide" was directed by David Lee Miller from a story he co-wrote with his son Jordan. The screenplay was written by David along with Eric J. Adams and star Gabriel Sunday. The film was edited by Jordan and Gabriel.

Miller had his hands firmly at the wheel but was able to throw many conventions out the window because much of what we are seeing is through the eyes of a high school student -- Archie (Gabriel Sunday), not Miller. Although many young people are keenly aware of how to make amateur video look professional, there was a danger in production values being of too high quality. So, much like the mind of a teenager, the first act in particular is a cinematic assault on the senses, with frenetic cuts, chaotic sound, and dazzling visuals. Still, Miller's movie makes the most of its small budget and cuts no such corners.

"My Suicide" is actually quite amusing as events unfold. Once the viewer gets past the initial shock of Archie's plans it becomes apparent that life in a YouTube world can be a hallucinatory pleasure. Counterintuitively, living in Archie's suicidal mind is a high from which we never want to come down. But, like any mind-altering substance, we know it won't last. The film turns dark as expected but in completely unexpected ways.

This is clearly Gabriel Sunday's film. Now 23, he was only 19 when production began in early 2005. His performance as the tortured teen left many audience members shaking their heads in wonder. The ability to carry a film like this is quite rare for a young actor with such a small body of work to his credit, let alone the fact that he had such a large hand in writing, shooting, and editing the film. This was only his first feature -- he's done a bit of television, mostly after "My Suicide" was filmed. Many more are sure to follow.

Brooke Nevin is a delight as Archie's foil, occasional foe, and would-be friend. Her character is destined to either unravel Archie's plans or cement them. It is a tribute to Nevin's ability to keep her emotions close to the vest that viewers are constantly being challenged.

In addition to Sunday and Nevin, the all-star cast features star turns from David Carradine as the legendary poet Vargas and Joe Mantegna as the shrink who earns Archie's trust. Mariel Hemingway is delightful as Sierra's clueless, narcissistic mother. Some of the film's most heartwrenching, tear-inducing scenes owe their power to Nora Dunn's loving portrayal of Archie's mom and some of the classmates who enter Archie's life, in particular Zachary Ray Sherman (Corey) and Michael Welch (Earl). Supporting cast members all show great dedication to the project, including Vanessa Lengies, Tony Hale, and Kurtis Bedford.

The concept of a movie within a movie is certainly not new but the level to which the idea is executed here is simply breathtaking. Miller and his team have created a technological marvel that never allows the stunning visuals to overshadow the film's urgent message. This is one of those rare films that not only can be appreciated by just about anyone but should -- must be seen by anyone who has ever searched for love and acceptance. In short, everyone.