Show Permanent Record Movie Review 4 by Mike Richan This is not a particularly easy picture picture picture pic pic- pic- pic ture to watch It is never violent or obscene but at times is extremely jarring and disquieting It deals frankly with the occurrence and aftermath of a teenage suicide and more often than not rings uncomfortably uncomfortably uncomfortably true When a student named David attending a high school in NewYork New NewYork NewYork York City decides to end his own life one night his friends are left dumbfounded David seemed to excel at everything He had received received received ed scholarships did wellin well wellin in school had his own band and was considered popular Many guesses are made as to the reasons for his actions but the an answers are never gained and the film itself revels in providing none They are left to wonder and cry which they do for half the film Davids David's best friend Chris attempts to schedule a students student's memorial service for David but powers powers that be be in the schools school's administration will not allow the glorification of such a shameful occurrence Eventually the students stage their own remembrance in blatant violation of authority and although it is moving and tear-filled tear by the time they finally pull it off the pity party party party par par- ty has been stretched to its limits The film succeeds wonderfully when dealing with the survivors survivor's coming to terms with Davids David's death but weakens considerably when burdened with subplots The film has little more to offer than the subject matter it deals with but rest assured theres there's more than a healthy dose of it If you have had someone close to you commit suicide be warned the film will hit hard If not it may cause you to be more aware of those around you certainly an admirable admirable admirable ad ad- mirable accomplishment for any motion picture to attempt 2 1 |