The United States of Leland - 7

This film is about how states of mind get worked out in human behavior. It is a critique of growing up in contemporary society, in which young people are unable to learn and process emotions in a way that fits with social and moral norms. There are a few conversations about what is right and wrong, and the adults and kids are both equally confused about how to express themselves. The author tells this story to show that there has been a loss of moral meaning in our culture and it has left families fragmented and scarred. The dialogue is well written so that the lines don't feel contrived, but natural. The main characters talks about how he sees the world, and how that leads him to be pessimists, he doesn't realize that others also see sadness and pain in the world. While the film asks more questions than it can attempt to answer, the questions are worth some time to think them over and engage critically. It is an interesting commentary of culture, although at times a little extreme just to make the point. The title is more ironic than telling of the theme of the film, it should be the fragmented states of Leland. Recommended for those that enjoyed Donnie Darko and I heart Huckabees.