In an interview with The Eagle, actors Keir Gilchrist and writers/directors Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden discussed the real world appeal of their new film, “It’s Kind Of A Funny Story.”
Based on the book of the same name written in 2006 by Ned Vizzini, the movie delves deep into the heart of an overwhelmed young boy who winds up in the adult psychiatric ward of a Manhattan hospital. Craig, played by newcomer Keir Gilchrist, finds himself suicidal after an overabundance of stress at school, struggles with friends and eventual physical ailments including lack of sleep and trouble eating. Sound familiar?
When asked to sum up why college students should go see this film, Fleck simply said, “They have the same pressures.”
Fleck recognized that college students may face even more pressures, including getting a job, a “seeming impossibility.”
Though he sympathized and said he felt bad for the average college students’ conundrum, Fleck said there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
“Go see this movie,” Fleck said. “It might make you feel a little better for a little.”
In addition to “It’s Kind of A Funny Story”, Fleck and Anna Boden worked together on the critically acclaimed film “Half Nelson.” Difficulties in their relationship are minor, but they don’t always see eye to eye.
“We are on the same page, but when we have disagreements, we can handle them,” Boden said.
According to Gilchrist, Fleck and Boden adapted the Vizzini’s novel so well that he chose not to read it. Not only did he not want to get caught up in the book, but he recognized Fleck and Boden’s stellar adaptive skills and trusted that he could do well with the character solely using the script.
When asked what they felt moviegoers should take out of the movie, Boden and Fleck agreed that the emotional film has a clear message of making sure people know they should not feel alone.
“[I hope people take away from the film] a message of hope, finding people to help when you have problems, and the importance of connections with other people as a mechanism of healing,” Gilchrist said.
In a world of materialistic consumption, the film reiterates what so many students and average Americans (as well as citizens of the world) forget about: people have to learn to appreciate what they have.
“If you count your blessings, people would be a lot more happy,” Boden said.
“It’s Kind Of A Funny Story” hits theaters Oct. 8.
thescene@theeagleonline.com
