My Suicide (2009) User Reviews

A teen movie for adults... Brilliant!

[rooprect · 8/10 · 8 September 2012]

Why are "teen movies" synonymous with campy, cheesecake, potty humor flicks that numb your brain into senselessness? Don't get me wrong, I loved "Porky's" as much as any hormone-drenched youth. But here, it's a real treat to see a "teen flick" with some real guts.

I hope my first paragraph didn't scare you off, because it would've scared me off if I'd been told that this film is about teen issues. Been there, done that, never wanna go back. My entire life was "The Breakfast Club" only I never got the girl :( But "Archie's Final Project" is done in such a creative, provocative way that you'll find yourself glued to the screen from the first 5 minutes.

Archie introduces the film by announcing he's going to kill himself by the end. This simple trick establishes a feeling of suspense that never lets up, even during the lighter, comedic moments. Note: do NOT miss the deleted scene on the DVD featuring the hilarious Harry Shearer (The Simpsons, Spinal Tap, etc) as the new-age healer. Perhaps they cut it because it was TOO funny.

As the title suggests, "Archie's Final Project" is his project for a high school video class. With that premise it can get away with a lot of quirky, over-stylized, A.D.D. type effects as only a teenage amateur film student could do. But in it you'll find a degree of poetry, depth and authenticity that only a teenage amateur film student could do. Stylistically, it's daring enough to do things that most directors would be afraid to try. But it's not just empty style. The themes are very deep, and (largely thanks to David Carradine playing the magnetic & enigmatic cult poet) it injects some profound philosophy in the midst of the spectacle.

Like I said, it's very authentic. This is largely due to an excellent performance by Gabriel Sunday as the loner kid whom nobody really knows about. Basically the whole film is a string of his monologues, but they never get boring. A nice touch was the way he constantly slips into doing impressions of classic films, including but not limited to: The Deer Hunter, The Matrix, Cool Hand Luke, Apocalypse Now, and half a dozen others I didn't recognize.

In all, this film makes me think of how Catcher in the Rye would've been if set in modern times with HD cameras and multimedia editing software. It's literature on the big screen. Absolutely brilliant.

Heavy, but excellent

[jcslawyer · 8/10 · 12 May 2020]

This is not a feel good movie. The way the movie is presented from the get go is sarcastic and emotional. It's a movie that knows where it's going and does it in a uniquely quirky little flick. Yes, I know it's called "My Suicide" and one should expect something heavy with that in mind. But still part of me was thinking it would be more coming of age with a nod to teenage angst...or even metaphorical.

Archie is a teenager. Nice looking, smart, but feels lost. Something's not right in his life despite the pretty decent upbringing. You get bits of what he was like as a child and you learn just how affected he's been by his parents' lack of affection for one another. So much so that he replays as a happy memory the time his mom was grieving and the father came to comfort.

Archie lets it be known during his media class that he plans to do his project on his own suicide. That sets in motion the set up of all the pieces of this remarkable film. He has this crush on a girl at his school, Sierra, who he places on a pedestal and considers "perfect." After he announces his movie, he is Baker Acted...but not before being noticed by Sierra. It is interesting to note that Archie has a difficult time really expressing his reasoning for wanting to kill himself.

You learn, as he and Sierra grow close, that she's genuinely depressed with her life despite the exterior. She cuts because she feels nothing and you can see she doesn't get the love of her parents. She and Archie enter into a pact and she becomes part of his movie. They share secrets and feelings, and develop a bond which is codependent and unhealthy to say the least.

Things come to a head when a mutual classmate does kill himself and the grim reality of staring it down in front of him appears to make Archie second guess his decision. After he gets home, Archie feels comfortable to tell his parents why he's unhappy. In the meantime, Sierra attempts to overdose moving forward with her pact. Archie appears to have abandoned the pact. She survives but their moment does not survive as she movies on. It's like together is where we want them to be, but apart is better.

Throughout the movie, a character named Vargas (Carradine) reads snippets of poetry obsessed with the subject of death. Archie meets him and realizes they have misinterpreted his readings as he's more focused on love. And the death he speaks of is the death of the old version of oneself.

Very good movie with fantastic cinematography and effects to give an angsty and ADHD feel.

Wow...just wow

[ed-bffle · 8/10 · 5 January 2014]

My love for disturbing movies is brought up again after watching this fantastic film. Awesome graphics, raw emotion, and a realistic portrayal of human suffering is demonstrated throughout.

The actor who claimed Archie's role was both charming and relatable with his honest personality. His crush, Sierra, is the typical gorgeous blonde, but we find that she has way more to herself than her killer looks. I really liked this because it's a reminder that we truly never know a person until...well...until we get to know them.

This movie had me laughing, crying, and gaping at the screen as the fantasy-like animation and true-to-life filming switched back and forth. (Usually not in an obnoxious way, but some people might not like it.) It also does display pornography and nudity (not excessively, but perhaps enough to make someone uncomfortable) along with lots of swearing, so it may not suit everyone.

Though it was a strange and risky movie, it is definitely an awesome film. 4/5

Can a movie save a life?

[larry-411 · 10/10 · 19 March 2009]

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.

I'm glad I gave this movie a chance.

[mbrese-60-486716 · 7/10 · 25 April 2020]

The first 20 minutes or so I found my self rolling my eyes and irritated with the main character. But I think I was supposed to. This movie was over the top at times, but it still had something important to say. By the end, I felt very much invested in this character and why he does what he does. It certainly isn't perfect but I'm happy I stuck it out to see the message.

A true indie with a broad appeal

[EnvyYouProductions · 9/10 · 11 February 2009]

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!

an onslaught of teen angst and pop-culture references: sometimes good, sometimes predictable

[Quinoa1984 · 6/10 · 9 July 2009]

My Suicide, a film which I saw a special screening, contains a strong point of view and a distinctive sense of humor that shouldn't be ignored. It also introduces most of us to a new young actor, Gabriel Sunday, who also is attached on the project as co-writer/editor/producer. While it's David Lee Miller's first feature film, and one would want to credit him with the editing style (not at all unlike Natural Born Killers only with the assistance of Avid, or is it Final Cut?), but it's more than likely Sunday's baby. And as it is, it's loaded with the kind of self-deprecating, crazy humor that one would expect from someone who is 16 or 17 and doesn't know what to do with themselves despite being in comfortable middle-class existence with access to technology up the wazoo. It's about human connectivity through media, and or what a self-portrait for a teen means when someone else enters the equation- or the whole school, for that matter.

Basically, Archie wants to kill himself, or rather will only for the project in class which is to document something about one's life. For all of it calling back to Oliver Stone, it's still a refreshing way to get inside of this person's particular mind-set: it's like we're watching most times the actual movie Archie is meant to be presenting his audience, and then here and there the cracks of the third wall being broken and an actual movie going on about this making-of the movie. Some may find the opening ten minutes or so, which has less to do with direct plot than with setting up the tone and sense of humor, as aggressive, but it struck me as being just about right. That, and the very odd, nearly mystical and, sadly ironic, images of David Carradine as the "Death Poet" Vargas talking on camera about this and that like an old sage. He comes on later in the film- actually the more he's seen the less effective he really is- but it's mostly Archie's story, him and Sierra.

Oh yeah, that's another thing too- it's a dark (super duper dark, more like tragic-dark) comedy about two teens with a similar suicidal edge who get into a relationship, one the awkward outsider with a penchant for ripping apart those around him (i.e. the c*** scene with the doctor), the other, Sierra, a super-hot "perfect" teen who dates and lot and also cuts herself with a razor. It's about this subject of suicide, and it's also about these characters coming to terms with it, actually being *alive* as they're plotting their own ends, and what that means in turn when it suddenly projects onto other students around them. It's a good message and often funny, even as its rapid-machine-gun-fire editing technique and warped visual cues with good old green screen go into overload.

The big problem, for me, is a level of predictability that settles in. It doesn't go completely into after-school TV special territory, but it gets close; at least close enough for it to go into just being another teen drama, so to speak, with little spikes of humor in the last third (some, arguably, not totally appropriate, considering that it doesn't stick to its guns as a super-dark comedy till the end). But it's a problem that many in its desired demographic- whack-a-mole teens and their attentive parents- will be entertained and informed by. And, as well as announcing a new young star, it also features some unlikely movie references I enjoyed, such as from Goodfellas the "WHY DID YOU DO THAT!" screaming match between Henry and Karen.

Ought to win an Oscar...seriously

[lostmaestro · 10/10 · 8 May 2008]

This film is about a boy who suffers from the fantasy unique to our age: the belief that one's entire life is a movie. The Truman Show is a good example of this: the notion that one's entire life is so perfect, so banal, repetitious and ordinary, that it must be scripted-- it cannot possibly be real. So this boy, Archie, records as much of his life as he possibly can on video, and edits it together in his room.

The problem is, no matter how much of his life he makes into a movie, it still feels meaningless. So he announces in his high school film class that he will make a movie in which he kills himself. That will be the plot and the grand finale.

His entire neighborhood starts gossiping about him, and his life changes enormously. This is when his real movie-making starts. Suicide is always lurking near him, and the entire movie is a play on various questions of suicide: when we kill ourselves, what are we doing? Is every death a 'suicide' because of the necessarily unsafe ways we live our lives? Is suicide an act of freedom and defiance, or of conformity and weakness-- or neither?

Some great cameos from unexpected actors add to the film a lot.

This is one of those rare films that covers the entire emotional spectrum, and does so effortlessly. It is as hilarious as it is tragic, as fragmented as it is thorough. If it receives the distribution it deserves, it will be a hit.

Great Indie film

[svedawilliam · 7/10 · 5 October 2021]

I like this movie's unique style, my only problem with it was the fact that I found no reason there needed to be shots filmed by an actual cameraman. The acting is great from these otherwise unknown actors and it has great themes tackled very sensitively. It's also got some funny and well-executed reference humor that not many films like this do well. Very well-made a unique film that is recommended, but I wouldn't watch it beyond a second time.

quirky and visually surreal coming of age tale

[gregking4 · 5/10 · 27 August 2009]

This quirky and visually surreal coming of age tale tackles heavy themes like suicide, adolescent angst, teenage rebellion and the hypnotic allure of technology and the way in which the media can influence today's youth. In an era when technology savvy teens are also wannabe auteurs, film obsessed teen Archie Williams announces that he will commit suicide on film for his media assignment. His announcement leads to a period of incarceration in the psychiatric hospital, and makes him the most talked about kid in school. His announcement also comes with plenty of baggage that he struggles to deal with in the lead up to the event. Although the film is dealing with grim subject matter, there is something life-affirming about it. Director David Lee Miller produced the film under the auspices of an organisation that tackles youth suicide prevention, and while it has an agenda to push it is never overtly hectoring or preachy in delivering its message. My Suicide is shot in faux documentary style using video and hand held camera. But there are also plenty of idiosyncratic stylistic touches, including clever animation sequences, cinematic references, frenetic editing and arresting visual gimmicks. Gabriel Sunday delivers a good performance as the lead role, a kind of 21st century Holden Caulfield, who documents his everyday journey through a challenging minefield of sex, drugs and adolescent angst. Prophetically, David Carradine appears in one of his last roles here, playing a film maker, poet and author who is Archie's main inspiration.

Do not miss this great movie.

[Cowabungaaa · 10/10 · 5 October 2008]

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.

Yellow Submarine meets Pulp Fiction

[claris-983-65306 · 22 February 2011]

Yellow Submarine meets Pulp Fiction. Once you've past the 101 film making tricks -- fast-paced editing, animation and more--the story and the characters grow on you. The dark comedy follows Archie(Gabriel Sunday), an unpopular junior in high school who announces in his video production class he will commit suicide on camera for his final class project. After a mandatory 72-hour mental evaluation,Archie returns to school to learn he's become popular. He's approached by Sierra (Brooke Nevin), the foxy school president and editor of the school newspaper who wants to do a story on him, but Archie soon learns Sierra also has an interest in suicide. Stars Mariel Hemingway, Nora Dunn, Tony Hale ("Arrested Development") Joe Mantegna, Harry Shearer and the late David Carradine. The film could easily become The Breakfast club for generation Y. It could open doors not only to a creative young group of film makers but it could offer answers to teens who desperately need attention at whatever cost. So, if you're a teacher, parent, a teen, or friend of a teen, go see the film - it deserves your attention.

Filmed on scene in a suicidal playground

[kurtisjvandermolen · 1/10 · 7 February 2023]

As one personally sympathetic to the real biological threat and urge of suicide, this movie was entirely drivel. This was a social media movie with a hook. I did enjoy the cinematic indictments on the loose orbit of the "successful" parents. And I did enjoy the pushback on the formulaic talking heads around this topic. However in the fake suicide portrayed on film, the protagonist says to several people that he 'feels responsible' for the suicide loss. You are. Framing suicide within the anti-social, pro-social media playground is literally a "how to" on the beginnings of the end of life. How much more real life can you make it?

A dark and surreal experience that treads the line of comedy and tragedy

[fewald139 · 9/10 · 28 January 2020]

Thank you, Netflix, for introducing me to this little gem. Archie's Final Project (or, listed on Netflix by its original title, "My Suicide") caught my eye due to its themes of teen suicide and school controversies; I was the subject of a similar school controversy myself at 12-years-old that resulted in my expulsion and attempted suicide before such things were really discussed and explored in depth. Thus, anything that features these important themes attracts me like a fly to light.

Gabriel Sunday plays Archie Williams, a 17-year-old media geek who announces to his media class that his final project will be to film his suicide. He also seems to believe his entire life is a movie--as another review said, this is another interesting take on the Truman Show delusion that serves its own twists and turns. Thus begins one of the most unique and interesting movies I've ever seen. My Suicide is filmed almost like a documentary, as if we are, in fact, watching Archie's final project after his planned suicide. Interwoven between scenes of the aftermath of Archie's suicide film announcement are montages of colorful teenage visual ramblings, further character development of Archie and his troubled crush Sierra, and bursts of dark comedy. Sunday is absolutely mesmerizing to watch as Archie; he was just 19 when he played the role, and he plays it so believably. Undeniably charming, troubled, awkward, odd, yet fantastically skilled at playing both sides of the line between comedy and tragedy, Sunday is nothing short of amazing, and his few film/TV credits since this are baffling to me. Why in the world isn't this man in more stuff?

A total surprise to me was Sierra's inclusion in the story (played by Brooke Nevin). At first, I thought she would distract the film from its suicidal/teen angst themes and instead focus it on teenage romance. While there is an undeniable romantic connection between Archie and Sierra, it is realistically grounded in tragedy, a skewed immature teen vision of love (shown perfectly in a surprisingly intimate mutual cutting scene), and a shared troubled mental state. My Suicide is at times hard to watch because you are watching confused teens make bad decisions or simply refuse to take important decisions seriously with lax attitudes at the risk of fatal consequences; yet, because of that, it is utterly realistic and devastating. This movie made me both laugh out loud and dread the eventual ending as I feared these characters would make the ultimate decision. Without spoilers, I can say that at least one teenager in the movie commits suicide; while the act itself isn't shown, the aftermath is (including the body) and it's soul-wrenching. It's a depressingly beautiful scene that wallows in its finality and shocking morbidity; as someone who has attempted suicide, I appreciated the way this scene was handled.

My Suicide appears to have been quite the indie darling upon its release in 2009, evidenced by its many awards at multiple film festivals. It deserves them all, though they clearly didn't give the film the exposure it truly deserves. At times delightfully comedic and at other times oppressively tragic, My Suicide starts out like a teenager's school project and seems to mature along with its protagonist as the seconds go by and the darker themes crawl over each scene like an oppressive fog. Every second of its journey is interesting and hit me close to the heart.

"Suicide is a Permanant Solution to a Temporary Problem"

[njclark-52463 · 7/10 · 30 March 2024]

Archie's Final Project is more than a movie about a young 17-year-old boy planning to kill himself on camera. It is about self-discovery and the intangible value of human emotion everybody possesses. The dialogue is straightforward and blunt while the screenplay paints a comedic picture to shadow the dark and disturbing undertones. It is highly cliched with the plot centering on how Archie wants to lose his virginity, feels misunderstood by his parents, and fantasizes about the most popular girl in school. While at some points it does get repetitive and might not seem original the progression of the story pulls this film together perfectly. The first half of the movie has a hard time expressing emotion, often sounding monotone with more to be desired in the scriptwriting. However, as each main character develops and climaxes it is clear what the intentions were behind filmmaker David Lee Miller. The movie was designed to progress slowly, and while only having a 2-hour runtime the thorough design of each character puts your mind in a constant state of questioning what happens next and what each action's outcome will be.

Gabriel Sunday does an all-right job of displaying what his character is feeling. There are flashes in the first half of the film of his ability to convey raw emotion which pan out more directly in the second half. However, there are several scenes where Gabriel couldn't convey the attitude of a suicidal teenager just right. As previously said the first half of the movie can be seen as very boring as little character is presented and while we are supposed to feel the pain of Archie's character and understand why he wants to commit suicide, it ends up coming across as a dumb teen pulling a stunt for no real reason. The real issue is the first half of this movie because in the second half the character of Archie very much comes to life and I liked Gabriel's performance for the most part. While it is a slow-paced character development, there is slightly more to be desired. With that said the character arch itself is very well done. Archie becomes very unique and human nature shines through.

The supporting cast is undoubtedly this movie's biggest weakness. Archie's parents are acted out as if a real disgruntled 14-year-old teen wrote how he felt about his parents, but not in a good way. The social workers and teachers act as if the movie is a comedy. While the first half of the movie is supposed to be funny while being very dark it doesn't fit the plot. It is sloppy. It is unenjoyable. It is unrelatable. They do not seem like real people. The only other good character is Archie's love interest Sierra played by Brooke Nevin. Brooke, I feel fits Sierra much better than Gabriel fits Archie. She is beautiful, has perfect skin, acts with an apathetic demeanor when defending Archie from bullies, and most definitely fits the popular girl trope of not caring about other people's opinions. Her acting is flawless. You truly do become attached to her as a character and there is not one moment where she doesn't land her lines perfectly. You would never suspect she is the girl who is troubled just like Archie and does a way better job at showing how self-harm affects her mental state rather than Gabriel. 10/10 character and I wish the rest of the acting was this good.

Taking everything into account, this movie can be described as flawed, disinteresting, sometimes laughable, and boring. However, I believe for people who want a raw and uncensored view into the headspace of a teenager today and how human emotion impacts every aspect of every life then this is for you. I very much enjoyed this movie and while my attention span tested me throughout, the last 45 minutes are impeccable with few flaws. The idea of having the majority of the movie take place through the lens of Archie's camera was great. The lighting was perfect. Every scene was shot beautifully. The aesthetic was consistent. The only thing that brings this movie down is the poorly executed exposition. The rising actions put you in suspense. The climax makes your heart race. The character development is phenomenal. The ability to make your body go through a roller coaster of emotions while not always having the best tone is astounding. The plot is very straightforward. The writing is perplexing. The music score sets each mood perfectly. But most of all, the mood change from the first half to the second half is shot with perfection. I would recommend everybody watch this remarkable film at least once as it does a fantastic job of showing how suicide harms more than just yourself.

Plot: 7/10 Entertainment Value: 4/10 Depth: 9/10 Acting: 5/10 Cinematography: 8/10 Soundtrack: 10/10 Execution: 7/10 Overall: 7.1/10.

One of the best films of the year - if it gets distribution...

[Firebowl · 10/10 · 11 February 2009]

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.

Unfettered Potential

[Geczodia · 7/10 · 12 September 2022]

This film had so much potential for me specifically. It could have been the perfection of the black pill, and I'm surprised this isn't more ingrained in "doomer" culture. But it was never really meant to be that, which is obvious from the beginning of the movie, where Archie decides to be public about his convictions, something who truly wants to commit wouldn't do. He was searching for attention and a way out, despite what he says in the movie, but he does recognize his hypocrisy that I can relate to.

Corey, a character introduced later is the true synthesis of the feeling of suicidal thought. He doesn't truly reach out as with Archie, or even Sierra who reaches out to Archie. He simply felt how he felt and acted upon that in full selfishness and guilt for those who may have cared about him.

Overall, the movie is does an incredible job at exhibiting the experience of a lost teenager; someone who wants help and doesn't know how to seek it amongst a world that doesn't really care-and they themselves don't understand why they feel this way. They act out and rebel, they feign an apathetic stance, when, in reality, they are searching for someone to bring them into the light. The intense constantly transitioning and quick scenes helps to evoke the feeling of someone in this situation. The clips throughout make this feel like the Plunderphonics of film, and it was done really well, the soundtrack fits perfectly to what the piece wanted to be perceived as and altered as needed.

A must see for teens and adults

[mpainter-1 · 10/10 · 21 April 2009]

I saw a screening of this film about a year ago, when it was still being fine-cut, but it still contained an emotional intensity which stayed with me for days after. Stylistically, the film is constantly engaging. It switches between documentary-style footage shot by the main character and a combination of animation and roto-scoping techniques that give the film a unique look and feel. The true achievement of this film is that it deals with teenage depression, apathy, escapism, and violence in a way that engages both teens and adults. The film avoids devolving into melodrama, which considering the subject material, is a feat unto itself. Without giving too much away, this film shatters preconceptions about issues (especially the cliché of the suburban American teen who is disconnected from reality) which have been depicted in many films, but have not been treated in a mature fashion.

Shaky camera syndrome.

[jcphoto_02 · 1/10 · 15 May 2021]

I had to stop watching it due to the camera shaking so much.

A Powerful Low Budget Indie

[sethklee-77687 · 9/10 · 11 September 2020]

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

FLAT!

[maxwellmosser · 2/10 · 13 January 2020]

What a boring film. I went into this film thinking I was going to see a ground breaking and boundary pushing film about high school social issues, or depression, or atleast an interesting and dark subject matter. What I got instead was the equivalent of NyQuil. The Sporadic editing, to the bland acting, and nothing script made this film only worth watching for the strange and borderline funny cameos from actors of far more entertaining TV shows. This film is currently on Netflix and I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. It's only offensive to a person's brain cells and a kindergartener could write a more intriguing script.

A Brilliant Strangely Life-Affirming Film about Suicidal Teenage Angst

[JustCuriosity · 10/10 · 21 March 2009]

My Suicide, which had its U.S. Premiere at Austin's SXSW Film Festival, is a mesmerizing feature film with a brilliant script and remarkable editing. It takes one inside the modern American teenagers' world of angst, anger and technology. While it sometimes seems like one is watching an extended You Tube video that is really the way that the style is designed to appear as if it was filmed by a teenager filming the process leading up to his own suicide. The characters draw the audience into the story of teenager Archie Williams – masterfully acted by Gabriel Sunday – who announces one day in film class that his project is to film his own suicide. The premise is absurd, but so are the reactions. The film ultimately serves to critique the soulless life in middle class suburbia that would lead a bright young man to despair about the value of his own life. In that sense, My Suicide follows in a great tradition of suburban satire that is seen in films like Happiness, American Beauty and, most recently, Revolutionary Road. The writers also manage to use a wide variety of satirical quotes from a variety of modern classics – such as Goodfellas, Silence of the Lambs, and Apocalypse Now. They further incorporate animation and public service advertisements.

Ironically, this film which begins as a quest to commit suicide ultimately finds a way to be life-affirming through its exploration of why Archie is suicidal and his burgeoning relationship with Sierra – played by the beautiful Brooke Nevin. The acting is generally very good and the filming is excellent. I hope this independent effort is widely distributed. It will be particularly appealing to young people who will relate to its fast-paced editing and style. Archie Williams may well be the Holden Caulfield of the 21st Century.

Important movie

[asher-yaakov-halperin · 10/10 · 2 March 2020]

I feel like this movie talks about things we are scared to talk about, in a way that somehow manages to be fun, sad and beautiful all at the same time. Watch it, I'd love to know what you think.

Absolutely human

[miaaacameron · 9/10 · 27 December 2020]

I really don't have the words to explain how amazing I thought this movie was. How essentially human it all felt. It was just beautiful

Not good

[alainarockchance · 1/10 · 1 September 2022]

I cannot sleep because of how bad this movie was and the only reason I watched it was because it was on Netlfix. Beginning was going okay until nothing made any sense. First of all I get Archie or whatever doesn't want to share his problems but then a girl magically starts changing his depression? Does Archie have depression to begin with either? If so it is not chronic. Most depressed people do not have hobbies they love so much, certainly not suicidal people either. Archie had his cameras and his computers and while he may have not had the best parwnts because no one does! It still seemed like Archie had good parents. Anyways the scene where Archie is being cut by the girl??? Ridiculous!! The part where she's cutting herself in front of him??? Seriously, people who wish to die do not wish that on others. Depression isn't a infectious disease spread by the hands of girls with razor blades. I don't understand these scenes at all. What I do understand Archie is just a horny teenage boy who craves attention and is obsessed with filming while Sierra or whatever her name is, is a psycho who is in love with her own sadness. The fact she'd be willing to even have sex with Archie, so he doesn't have to die a virgin?? And she wants them to both die?? Suicide pact???

As someone who has trouble with issues like pretty bad chronic depression, this movie does not give any amount of accuracy of what it's like to premeditate your death. What was the most realistic part of all of this is when arches classmate hung him self. He was just a back ground character and wasn't trying to get attention for his depression. He hadn't necessarily mentioned his thoughts to anyone. However I'm not gonna give full credit to that one either because come on how did he gang himself in the gym???? The gym? The school gym? How did he get in there in the first place and why the gym? Anyways this movie sucked I wish I never watched it.