No other film captures the truthful pain of adolescence as well as Todd Solondz’s WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE (1995). By showing us harsh realities through heartbreaking humor, writer/director Solondz gives us a darkly comedic, layered look into the provocative world of Dawn “Wienerdog.” The universal appeal of this film is undeniable and gives a voice to the kids who go unseen.
▶️Synopsis: Plagued by bullying at school and being the forgotten middle child at home, an awkward pre-teen, Dawn Wiener, falls for an unattainable hunk while also carrying on a secret relationship with her main tormentor at school.
⏩⏩Discussions include: Solondz’s inspirations for DOLLHOUSE, how it was made and where it fits in with his other films; recurring themes and the impact of jarring slurs; the complexity of the characters and gifted performances by a predominantly young cast; story layering and Solondz’s use of dark humor; critical reception, lasting effects on the film’s main star and Dawn becoming an icon for underdogs. **Starring Heather Matarazzo, Brendan Sexton III, Matthew Faber, Eric Mabius. Directed by Todd Solondz.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, HAPPINESS (1998): This extremely dark and bold, uncomfortable comedy intertwines three sisters’ lives, each diving into subplots involving unfulfillment, boredom and perversion. **Starring Jane Adams, Lara Flynn Boyle, Dylan Baker, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Directed by Todd Solondz.**
—Justin’s Pick, STORYTELLING (2001): Split into disconnected stories, this dysfunctional dark comedy involves a female college student victimized by her professor and a high school boy being followed by a documentary filmmaker. **Starring Selma Blair, Mark Webber, Leo Fitzpatrick, Paul Giamatti. Directed by Todd Solondz.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: How Billy plays the Defender of the Bullied as Tripper in MEATBALLS (1979).
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: How DOLLHOUSE helped Matarazzo realize her real-life gayness, the film being a perfect introduction to Solondz’s other films, some favorite scenes involving Dawn Wiener and the importance of music in the film.
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