Art is something which is hard to sometimes wrap our minds around. It’s always going to be something which is subjective and equally won’t fall in line for everyone. Some may adore the art, while others may not. Some of us may interpret art in one way, while others may see something completely different. Some will study the art and dig deep to what the artist was trying to say or establish when they created their respective medium. Whether it’s paintings, music, or film, not everyone is going to understand the purpose in symbolism or creating the intended piece of art. That’s where the conversation gets interesting. Art should make us think, digging deeply into ourselves, and should provoke emotion. 

Those who know me know I’ve been working on a poetry project for the better part of a year. If you didn’t know, surprise, I am. For me, I love art that makes me think, that gives me something to ponder and decode. I adore feeling like Ralphie from A Christmas Story, trying to decode for the first time. It’s one of the reasons that I possess such a fondness for Jordan Peele as a filmmaker. His use of symbolism and terror manifests a beautiful blend which is rare to find in movies these days. For me, when I’m writing poetry, I won’t ever write in similes, using “like” or “as”. I want the reader or listener, depending on the medium, to think deeper. I write heavily in metaphors and symbolism. It allows the subject to take hold of simplistic truths and bring it to new depths. 

One of the pieces I've written recently addresses the subject of depression and effectively talking about mental health with our younger generations. We are continuously stigmatizing a natural part of health. In this poem, called “Get Used to Defeat, A-2201”, I wrote the line “Failing to educate ourselves / And the generations of Georgie Denboroughs that have come before us / And those in the rain on the trail to the sewers now” which demonstrates the relationship between Georgie Denborough’s demise in Stephen King’s IT and how the potential of failing to communicate such tough topics with our children could lead to their demise. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for children aged ten to fourteen. That’s over five hundred deaths that took place last year, ruled as a suicide before or even barely into puberty.

 Depression is real and sometimes it can bring us some terrific art. Look no further than Van Gough’s career as a painter. His troubling battle with depression is evident throughout every brush stroke he conveys to canvas. Charlie Kaufman gears up to tackle the topic in his latest film, I’m Thinking of Ending Things. Adapted from the book of the same name, Ending tells the story of Lucy (Jessie Buckley) who embarks into a snow storm with boyfriend, Jake (Jesse Plemons), to meet his parents. Before we even get into the depth of the review, I’m going to preface this right up front: this movie will not be for everyone. If you thought your brain hurt after Tenet, this one will make your brain hurt just a bit one. I’ll be honest, before I started writing this, I had to look up an “explained'' video and dang, I have a whole new respect for this movie.

The performances from Plemmons and Buckley are exceptional. I would dare to say that they are some of my favorite performances of the year. The arcs of both characters travel into bizarrely beautiful places that you’ll never expect. Yes, that includes an extended dance number. Which feels weird to say in this art house film but makes a bit more sense in context. Both actors range from intense and intellectual to sorrowful and joyful - everything in between. Both deliver performances that jump through the scene and make a home within your soul. It’s eerily beautiful.

Perhaps the real star of the film, though, comes in writer-director Charlie Kaufman. Kaufman is no stranger to the subject of mental health in his movies or the use of the boldly innovative plot lines. We’ve seen it from past films like Being John Malkovich and Adaptation. Thinking gorgeously follows suit to Kaufman’s previous works. An intensely inventive and layered film that looks at the subject of life, time, and the terror of depression and regrets that can line within. From his use of imagery of its backgrounds to the ever evolving use of color and costumes - Kaufman is subtle in his origins. Yet, manages to convey the subject matter with elegance and ease. There is a slow burn to the movie, which gives its subject matter a blatant honesty of its reality. The script is equally as elegant as its visuals.

Overall, I’m Thinking Of Ending Things makes me wish this wouldn’t end. A beautifully heavy art house film that eloquently echoes the beauty of life, regret, and the depression that can lie in between. Jesse Plemmons and Jessie Buckley deliver powerhouse performances, even when the movie veers into somewhat more weirder areas. The script and direction from Charlie Kaufman presents the narrative, its subjects, and backdrops in the most attractive way possible. It boasts incredibly alluring cinematography and set design. This movie is beautifully layered, with a depth that is gracefully delivered. Thinking won’t be for everyone but this is an incredible piece of cinema that 2020 has delivered.

RORSCHACH RATING:

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and you are struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message or tweet to us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by), Caless Davis, Dan Rockwood, & Brandon Miller. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. I'm Thinking of Ending Things is property of Netflix. We do not own nor claim any rights. This review was edited by Cam Smith. I’m Thinking of Ending Things is streaming exclusively on Netflix now.

You can now support us on Patreon. Help us get mental health resources into schools and get exclusive content at the same time. Click here to join today!