MADELINE'S MADELINE

The film, which had its world premiere at Sundance, revolves around the character of Madeline who is dealing with psychological issues. The director of the improvisational theater troupe where she takes up acting encourages Madeline to incorporate her dysfunctional relationship with her mother (Miranda July) into the play. And thus, her mental illness and teenage angst, her role and real life all become dramatically entangled. The film, in which raw emotions explode in the plastic world of cinema, is notable both for its content and its form. Its greatest asset, before of all else, is Helena Howard who plays the lead role.