Movie Description
THIRTEEN is Catherine Hardwicke's explosive portrait of teenage girls at their very worst. Mean, manipulative, conniving, and utterly out of control, these skinny, sexy, drug-addicted, 13-year-old time bombs are nothing short of terrifying. Hardwicke's movie is brilliant in its ability to portray this phenomenon, which comes off as very real. The skillful photography from cinematographer Elliot Davis communicates the most complicated themes of the film: insecurity, confusion, wanting to be liked and accepted, and feeling like it's time to grow up fast. In an early scene, protagonist Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood), a shy girl and good student, approaches Evie (Nikki Reed), the school's ultra-popular bad girl, and the two size up each other's clothing, jewelry, hair, shoes, socks, and decide to go on a shopping spree. From there Tracy spirals downward, copying Evie's every move in an aggressive game of daring each other to take increasingly dangerous risks--stealing, getting piercings, experimenting with sex, drinking and taking drugs, and much more. All the while Tracy's mom (Holly Hunter) who is a bohemian ex-alcoholic trying to be open-minded and supportive about her daughter's rebellion, slowly loses her authority and her ability to cope with these volatile teens. A booming, excellent soundtrack punctuates the hyper, desperate, manic mood of the girls' behavior, and catalyzes the adrenaline rush that is THIRTEEN.
| Credits | | Producer: | Jeffrey Levy-Hinte | | Cast: | Brady Corbet, Jeremy Sisto, Kip Pardue |
Editorial Reviews
"...Brace yourself for THIRTEEN -- it'll cause a commotion..."
Rolling Stone - Peter Travers (09/04/2003)
"...THIRTEEN captures a slice of life that no other movie has ever caught with such unsparing but loving honesty..."
Movieline - Stephen Farber (09/01/2003)
"...The handheld images are grainy and feverish but also startlingly sustained, and they have a way of snaking their way right up to the actors' faces....It has the grip of a thriller..."
Entertainment Weekly - Owen Gleiberman (09/05/2003)
"...A movie with moments so realistically painted that your eyes will sting from the fumes..."
New York Times - Elvis Mitchell (08/20/2003)
"...Evan Rachel Wood delivers a performance of white-heat intensity..."
USA Today - Mike Clark (08/22/2003)
"...A lot of fun....THIRTEEN maintains an unusual balance between sobriety and irreverence that can catch you off guard..."
Sight and Sound - Richard Kelly (12/01/2003)
"What sets THIRTEEN apart from other teenage flicks is bravery..."
Total Film - Jamie Graham (01/01/2004)
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