Originally slated to be released in 2007, "Margaret" was deemed "too long" by studio execs and the final cut was delayed by lawsuits. I watched the version cut down to 2 1/2 hours so that may make a difference when other viewers read this review and possibly watch the film.
The film is a character study of Lisa (a young and dark-haired Anna Paquin), who is a 17 year-old New York high school student whose selfish and immature existence is drastically changed when she distracts a city bus driver (Mark Ruffalo) who then runs over a lady crossing the street. The lady dies in Lisa's arms but Lisa tells the police that the light was green shifting blame from the driver and herself to the victim. Dealing with the tragedy and her role in it proves very difficult for Lisa as she takes out her inner turmoil on others around her including her mother, brother, and friends. Later Lisa seeks out the family and friends of the accident victim and attempts to make amends mainly through seeking punishment of the driver.
I didn't know much about Anna Paquin before this film but I think her very emotional performance was impressive. I also liked Matt Damon and Matthew Broderick in small roles as Lisa's teachers, particulalry Damon as her very likeable math teacher. Kieran Culkin did a good job as one of Lisa's classmates/love interest. The real meat of the film appears during scenes between Lisa and her stage actress mother (J. Smith-Cameron). Even with the edits this film is still a bit long and the flow just doesn't feel right throughout. Perhaps the editing to a prescribed 150 minutes made a real difference in the flow. Though the film firmly centers on Lisa (rightfully so) I think there are several characters who don't get much development and that might have made them feel less one-dimensional. This one's not for everyone but I think a B- for solid acting on Paquin's part and an interesting yet long drama.
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