Hot on the heels of Thumbsucker (2005) came Chumscrubber, and until I saw it last night they both seemed like exactly the same film – alienated teen washed out on anti-depressants in American suburbia filled with repressed children and adults alike. They both even have that cute little tyke Lou Taylor Pucci, although in the latter he is a minor character (and MUCH less likeable).
After watching Chumscrubber, it is true, they ARE both that movie, but whilst Thumbsucker seemed content to be a cute little indie, Chumscrubber is going for a more absurd, profound angle on things, and to a certain degree it succeeds.
The cast is certainly game, right down to the smallest most seemingly insignificant characters, such as Glenn Close, the mother of a young man who commits suicide [off screen] coming into the film. Ralph Fiennes in particular shines as the town’s mayor who experiences an epiphany that seems entirely integral to the message of the film.
Jamie Bell plays the main character who is the first to find the dead body, but this film is largely an ensemble piece, and there are some great scenes, such as when Glenn Close visits Alison Janney (Jamie Bell’s mother in the film) to return a casserole dish that was presumably given as a gesture as her son just died, but Alison Janney admits to never coming by “I’ve just been so…busy!”
Jamie Bell is an interesting actor. His American accent is impressive, and he always demonstrates a raw, damaged energy. He was by far the best thing about Jumper (2008), which I did enjoy mind you, and I would pay to see the sequel if it ever eventuates just to see his character return.
Back to Chumscrubber, whilst the film contained countless scenes of individual interest, I really did not feel that it added up to a satisfying, even logical, whole. What is this film saying? I can only grasp an intangible, fuzzy feeling from viewing it once. Perhaps it requires a second go around, but unfortunately it did not intrigue me quite enough to do so – straight away at least. Perhaps in a few months I will return to further investigate.
It really smelt like a debut film, where the writer and director were trying to cram in as many interesting anecdotes and life influences as possible. If the script was diluted to its essence, I can’t help but feel it would have been a stronger more effecting film.
Overall though, an interesting messy film with substantial characters and an odd, Donnie Darko-like view of American suburbia. 3/5.
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