Watch Igby Goes Down
- R
- 2002
- 1 hr 37 min
-
6.9 (34,964)
Igby Goes Down is a dark comedy-drama film directed by Burr Steers and released in 2002. The film stars Kieran Culkin as Igby Slocumb, a rebellious teenager born into a wealthy and dysfunctional family. Susan Sarandon and Jeff Goldblum also star, portraying Igby's mother and godfather respectively. The movie follows Igby as he navigates his way through a series of misadventures, attempting to find his place in the world while struggling to break free from the oppressive expectations of his family. His father, played by Bill Pullman, is a neglectful alcoholic, while his mother is a controlling and domineering socialite who wants her son to follow in her footsteps.
Throughout the film, Igby struggles to find himself, experimenting with drugs, skipping school, and getting into trouble. He develops a relationship with Sookie, played by Claire Danes, who is the mistress of his godfather D.H., played by Jeff Goldblum. Igby's relationship with his godfather becomes strained as he comes to realize that D.H. is not the benevolent figure he had believed him to be.
The movie is set in New York City in the 1990s and features an eclectic soundtrack that includes songs by bands like The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Smiths. The film's aesthetic is gritty and bleak, visually depicting Igby's disaffected state of mind and the world he inhabits.
The acting in Igby Goes Down is impressive, particularly Kieran Culkin's portrayal of the titular character. His performance captures the frustration and confusion of youth, while also conveying a sense of humor that softens the more disturbing aspects of the film. Susan Sarandon delivers a strong performance as Igby's mother, conveying both her desire for control and her growing desperation as her life falls apart.
Jeff Goldblum is a standout in the film as D.H., Igby's godfather. Goldblum brings a distinct sense of menace to the character, making it clear that D.H. is not to be trusted. Claire Danes is also strong in her role as Sookie, conveying a sense of vulnerability that makes her relationship with Igby all the more compelling.
Overall, Igby Goes Down is a film that successfully blends humor and darkness, creating a unique and engaging story. While the film's subject matter can be heavy at times, its witty dialogue and strong performances make it an enjoyable watch. At its core, Igby Goes Down is a coming-of-age story about a young man's struggle to find his place in the world, and it's a story that is sure to resonate with audiences.
Igby Goes Down is a 2002 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 72.