WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE
A film review by Mike Joyce
Copyright 1997 Mike Joyce
2.5 out of 5
An "offbeat" film about a young girl who has just entered junior high school and is taunted by her peers. Dawn Wiener (played by Heather Matarazzo in her first feature film) is the most unpopular and disliked girl in her year level. Her locker is covered in graffiti of harsh insults, and she is taunted by many of the students. This film brings back, with haunting reality, the horrors of high school, and reminds one of just how cruel kids can be. Is it any coincidence that her surname (Wiener) is "nerdy"? I think not. The film revolves around Dawn, with her poor dress sense, and looks at her life at school and at home. Both of which are sad and unhappy. Dawn's older brother has a band, and Dawn falls in love (or thinks she does) with the 'cool' lead singer. She is oblivious to the reality that she has no chance with him (and because of her obsession rejects offers from a boy in her class who really likes her). Meanwhile her younger sister, who constantly wears a tu-tu and dances around the house, is the obvious favourite of Dawn's parents. This means that Dawn is often ignored and given second preference to by her parents. This adds to her unhappiness.
Welcome to the Dollhouse is a black comedy, and one often feels guilty for laughing at Dawn's predicaments. All in all, it is a sad (yet somehow funny), look at poor Dawn's life. One can't help but think that she could get somewhere if she would just get a new wardrobe, new glasses, and a new hairdo. However, if she did that, it would effectively be another unrealistic, Hollywood-style film with a happy ending. I recommend this film to anyone who enjoys black comedies, or who wants to be taken back to the terrors of high school.
4 out of 5
Film Review by Adam Joyce.
Please visit Movie Mania at http://www.home.aone.net.au/joyce/adamframe.htm
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