“It paints a surreal canvas exploring schizophrenia in a manner filled with generous amount of dark humor that feels like it more than characterizes a person's experience with it.” Next Projection · 11 years ago
This "visually stunning masterpiece" is an autobiographical exploration of mental illness through five generations of Latvian women. Baumane uses a unique blend of hand-drawn 2D animation over papier-mâché sets to visualize the internal "demons" of depression and schizophrenia.
: The prose is described as having a strong connection to nature and rural mountain life. Rocks in My Pockets movie review - Roger Ebert Rocks in My Pockets
: The filmmaker investigates her grandmother's mysterious death and the "beleaguered gene pool" that left several cousins—and eventually Baumane herself—battling suicidal ideation.
: Despite the heavy subject, the film is noted for its dark humor , visual metaphors, and "ironic, stream-of-consciousness" narration. “It paints a surreal canvas exploring schizophrenia in
: It is a heartwarming tale of resourcefulness and perspective, eventually turning the family's "burden" (the rocks) into a source of survival and success.
: Critics at The New York Times describe it as an "engaging act of empathy," while Variety calls it a "modern milestone in animated storytelling". Rocks in My Pockets movie review - Roger
“I don't know if I've seen a movie that so accurately describes the panic, madness, and strange peace that happens inside the heads of those dealing with mental illness.” Rachel's Reviews