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  Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)


 

Wiener endures puberty, suburbia.

Review: Damn, it took me over 10 years to finally watch Todd Solondz' seminal film, Welcome to the Dollhouse. But now that I have, I understand all the hoopla.

Heather Matarazzo stars as Dawn Wiener, a geeky & awkward 11-year-old girl trying to cope with adolescence and a family that doesn't understand her. Junior high for Dawn is pure hell as the other students tease her, torture her and call her, "Wiener Dog."

With love in short supply at home, Dawn seeks attention elsewhere. As she develops a crush on the local high school hunk and dreams of being his girlfriend, she is threatened and surprisingly sought after by the school bully. These early experiences (and Dawn's outfits) are a sight to behold.

Dollhouse takes bittersweet and awkward moments to a whole new level. Happy moments are rare for Dawn, but she does seem to revel in them when they come. There's a keen satisfaction in witnessing her innocence and brief moments of joy.

In some instances, Dawn is weak and displays no self-confidence, in others, she stands up for herself and displays a tremendous amount of courage. This duality plays out well as Dawn struggles with almost every facet of her pubescent childhood.

It's no wonder Dawn wishes for a brighter future. She wants to find herself and get away from her unloving family and cruel classmates. And for an hour and a half, you will be taken away from your miserable life and realize things aren't that bad.

Thanks, Todd.

 


Learn more: IMDb

DVD version viewed: Welcome to the Dollhouse (Columbia Tristar Home Video, UPC 043396825697)