Perhaps I should preface this review by pointing out that I can only imagine that I am the intended target audience for this film; a student studying psychology at university, a bit of a film fanatic, a fan on Kevin Spacy's work, with a penchant for films with a sad edge. However, I don't think any of that makes my opinion invalid on this matter and I genuinely believe this is an underrated film.
Critics were rather harsh on this film, as shown by the 40 average on Metacritic; however I can't help but question reviews which claim that "The more Shrink tries to get you invested in the emotional turmoil of its characters, the more you want to reach into the screen and shake them and tell them to get over themselves." At no moment did I find myself telling a man who's wife commit suicide, who felt like a fraud in his work because he was meant to be leading others to happiness when he couldn't escape depression himself, to get over himself. Nor did I feel repulsed by a daughter's plight over her mother's suicide. Of course, not all the characters' problems were as serious as this, indeed one is not supposed to feel sorry for Jack Holden (Robin Williams) or Partick (Dallas Roberts), a fact that seems to be overlooked by venom filled reviewers who condemn this as a Hollywood 'pity party'.
Ultimately, however, if you look past all the resent that seems to be associated with reviewing this film you just see a really good drama, with impressive performances from the cast in general and stand-outs from Kevin Spacey (Henry) and Sierra McClain (Jemma) as the aforementioned psychiatrist and school girl, respectively, as they attempt to overcome the sense of guilt and responsibility which they associate with their loved one's suicides. Yes, the ending is somewhat contrived and can be seen a mile off, but this is a genuinely satisfying drama with some great shots and a nice, understated, soundtrack.
Certainly worth a watch.
Critics were rather harsh on this film, as shown by the 40 average on Metacritic; however I can't help but question reviews which claim that "The more Shrink tries to get you invested in the emotional turmoil of its characters, the more you want to reach into the screen and shake them and tell them to get over themselves." At no moment did I find myself telling a man who's wife commit suicide, who felt like a fraud in his work because he was meant to be leading others to happiness when he couldn't escape depression himself, to get over himself. Nor did I feel repulsed by a daughter's plight over her mother's suicide. Of course, not all the characters' problems were as serious as this, indeed one is not supposed to feel sorry for Jack Holden (Robin Williams) or Partick (Dallas Roberts), a fact that seems to be overlooked by venom filled reviewers who condemn this as a Hollywood 'pity party'.
Ultimately, however, if you look past all the resent that seems to be associated with reviewing this film you just see a really good drama, with impressive performances from the cast in general and stand-outs from Kevin Spacey (Henry) and Sierra McClain (Jemma) as the aforementioned psychiatrist and school girl, respectively, as they attempt to overcome the sense of guilt and responsibility which they associate with their loved one's suicides. Yes, the ending is somewhat contrived and can be seen a mile off, but this is a genuinely satisfying drama with some great shots and a nice, understated, soundtrack.
Certainly worth a watch.
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