Running with Scissors

A young, impressionable teenager named Augusten Burroughs navigates a turbulent childhood under the care of his eccentric and emotionally unstable mother, his distant father, and a cast of bizarre and overbearing guardians. As his parents' marriage disintegrates, Augusten is thrust into the care of his mother's unconventional psychiatrist, Dr. Finch, and his equally peculiar family. The film follows Augusten's coming-of-age amidst sexual awakenings, drug use, and the constant chaos of his surroundings.

Running with Scissors received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised the performances, particularly Annette Bening's unhinged portrayal, and the film's dark humor, others found the narrative to be uneven and overly chaotic. The film's unconventional tone and subject matter polarized audiences, leading to a moderate box office performance.

• Annette Bening's fearless performance is a standout, anchoring the film's outrageous premise.
• The film's dark humor and exploration of dysfunctional families are a mixed bag, often feeling more gratuitous than insightful.
• A visually distinct but tonally inconsistent coming-of-age story that struggles to find its footing.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a visually interesting and darkly funny, though somewhat bizarre, portrayal of a dysfunctional family. Many appreciated the performances and the unique storytelling, but some felt it was too over-the-top and lacked emotional depth.

Annette Bening received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role.

The film is based on the autobiographical novel of the same name by Augusten Burroughs, who also served as a screenwriter for the adaptation.