Nadine is the kind of "unlikable" character that critics love (her mother is a close second). It means that this is serious cinema that challenges you because it's so unpleasant to watch (wanting to watch something enjoyable is so plebeian.).
She's abrasive, rude, obnoxious, unstable, attention-seeking and indulges in dangerous, even life-threatening behavior. Some might even call her toxic. OK, so far so good. Handled skillfully this could be the making of a compelling film, but the filmmaker also wants John Hughes style cuteness to leaven the harshness (and perhaps increase the box office). It doesn't work.
Nadine lives in a world of teenage suburban privilege--great schools, stylish homes with pools, all the electronics a kid could want--,but lacks the one thing she desperately needs: a complete neuropsychiatric work-up.
That no one around her sees the seriousness of her mental condition and gets her the professional help she desperately needs is the real story here. But that wouldn't allow for the John Hughes style ending.
Personality disorders are no laughing matter and aren't solved by clever plot points.
She's abrasive, rude, obnoxious, unstable, attention-seeking and indulges in dangerous, even life-threatening behavior. Some might even call her toxic. OK, so far so good. Handled skillfully this could be the making of a compelling film, but the filmmaker also wants John Hughes style cuteness to leaven the harshness (and perhaps increase the box office). It doesn't work.
Nadine lives in a world of teenage suburban privilege--great schools, stylish homes with pools, all the electronics a kid could want--,but lacks the one thing she desperately needs: a complete neuropsychiatric work-up.
That no one around her sees the seriousness of her mental condition and gets her the professional help she desperately needs is the real story here. But that wouldn't allow for the John Hughes style ending.
Personality disorders are no laughing matter and aren't solved by clever plot points.