"Prozac Nation" is a case study of clinical depression with Ricci as a Harvard frosh trying to cope with her own identity crisis, poor self esteem, and uncontrollable mood swings; the expectations of an over-compensating divorced mother; the absenteeism of a shallow father; and the sincerity of a love she can't believe is real. The film does a good job of accurately representing the destructive influences of the disease of depression in spite murky flashbacks, a hazy narration by Ricci, and a melodramatic and contrived feel. A showcase for Ricci, who meets the demands of her role, this film's lukewarm reception may have more to do with the lack of understanding of the Jekyll-Hyde nature of the depressed person than a poor presentation of the character. (B)

I had no idea this is based on real life. But Christina Ricci is terrific in her role again. Even if she isn't the most likable person and her "better than everybody" persona does do little to make you sympathize with her.

But that's not what the movie is after. It tries to get us into the mindset of this character (person) and it kinda succeeds in doing so. It is a drama and therefor won't really be the movie Ricci fans might seek out to see her in her Eva costume. It's still a testament to her commitment going all that way and only emphasizes the "nakedness" of her character (and vulnerability).

Not an easy movie by a long shot, but who said you wanted an easy movie to watch? (unless you wanted to, but then you shouldn't watch this one)

Elizabeth "Lizzie" Wurtzel (Christina Ricci) is a teenager accepted in Harvard with a scholarship in journalism. She has been raised by her divorced mother Mrs. Wurtzel (Jessica Lange) since she was two years old, but she misses her father and feels needy and depressive. When she joins the university, she lives with the roommate Ruby (Michelle Williams) and has her sexual initiation with Noah (Jonathan Rhys Meyers),and her article for the local column in Crimson newspaper is awarded by Rolling Stone magazine. Lizzie becomes abusive in sex and drugs, and her existential crisis and depression increases and she hurts her friends and her mother that love her, while dating Rafe (Jason Biggs). Mrs. Wurtzel sends her to an expensive psychiatric treatment with Dr. Sterling (Anne Heche),in spite of having difficulties to pay for her medical bills of her therapy sessions. After a long period of treatment under medications, and an attempt of suicide, Lizzie stabilizes and adjusts to the real word.

"Prozac Nation" is a successful book that I have never read (and I do not have the intention),but the movie is a complete deception. The direction is good, inclusive with some great sequences with the camera, and Christina Ricci, Jessica Lange and Anne Heche have great performances. Jason Biggs is miscast in a dramatic and romantic character, having a flat performance. The lead character of Elizabeth "Lizzie" Wurtzel is unpleasant, and in the movie she is a spoiled ungrateful daughter, confused and contradictory, and does not have motives to have such destructive behavior. I really did not like this boring film. My vote is four.

Title (Brazil): "Geração Prozac" ("Prozac Generation")