In 1972, six-year-old Augusten (Joseph Cross) is trapped between his parents: his mother Deirdre Burroughs (Annette Bening), a poet with delusions of fame, and his father Norman (Alec Baldwin), an alcoholic math professor. When the Burroughs' marriage disintegrates, Deirdre begins therapy with the eccentric Dr. Finch (Brian Cox), an unconventional shrink. At age 12 Augusten moves in with the doctor’s family, and has irregular visits by his crazy mother. He befriends Neil Bookman (Joseph Fiennes), Dr. Finch's adopted 33-year-old son, and the two enter an erratic gay sexual relationship. The story is about the missing boundary between reality and fantasy, and the broken bond between a mother and her son.
Based on the book "Running with Scissors: A Memoir" by Augusten Burroughs, the film relies on music to express the emotions of the characters and to ground viewers in time. It brings the memoir to life with classic 1970s songs by Elton John, the Average White Band, and Nat King Cole. In an interview for the movie, Augusten Burroughs said he felt the movie was about a quest for family. James S. Levine composed the incidental music. Ryan Murphy wrote the screenplay and directed.
Based on the book "Running with Scissors: A Memoir" by Augusten Burroughs, the film relies on music to express the emotions of the characters and to ground viewers in time. It brings the memoir to life with classic 1970s songs by Elton John, the Average White Band, and Nat King Cole. In an interview for the movie, Augusten Burroughs said he felt the movie was about a quest for family. James S. Levine composed the incidental music. Ryan Murphy wrote the screenplay and directed.
