Clutter (2013)

Clutter Poster

Charlie Bradford, an aspiring filmmaker in his 30s, is doing the best he can to distance himself from the chaos of his childhood home. But his eccentric mother Linda, a compulsive hoarder who suffers from depression punctuated by spells of manic consumption, has a tendency to keep the people and things she loves close at hand. Charlie's younger sisters still live at home with Linda: Lisa, the older of the two has a history of petty theft and works as a home healthcare aid, and Penny, who is trying to overcome her agonizing shyness is starting a a new career as a home stager in a beleaguered real estate market.

Title: Clutter
"Clutter" is a compelling drama-comedy movie from 2013, composed by Paul Marcarelli and directed by Diane Crespo. This appealing indie movie revolves around the lives of an inefficient family and the inner struggles they deal with, matching the tough relationships and the psychological clutter most households encounter.

Plot Overview
The film follows the life of the Bradford household, especially concentrating on the youngest child, Charlie Bradford (Carol Kane). Charlie is a documentary filmmaker handling an emotionally unsteady mom, Linda (Natasha Lyonne), an older bro, Lisa (Dan Hedaya), who fights with psychological problems, and a more youthful sibling, Perry (Joshua Leonard). Cohabiting in a cluttered house, their lives become a reflection of the disordered environment around them.

Their mother Linda, a hoarder, has actually filled your house with junk, bringing the household to the edge of expulsion. Her hoarding issue impacts Charlie the most as she discovers it challenging to concentrate on her prospering career in the middle of the clutter, chaos, and aggravating family relationships. The whole household's lives take a hard turn when Charlie employs a 'Clutter Cleaner' in an effort to arrange their lives.

Secret Themes
The movie explores numerous themes associated with household, dysfunction, emotional baggage, and individual development. It's primarily a family drama concentrating on Charlie's mission to stabilize her personal desires with her familial obligations. It highlights the psychological clutter that is frequently widespread in relationships, signified by the physical clutter in their living space. The film represents how the state of our physical surroundings can be a mirror reflecting our mental and emotions.

Character Development
The characters in Clutter are as disorderly as your home they live in, each bring their own psychological luggage. Charlie, although the most steady, is fixated on her aspiration, which blinds her to the dire state of affairs in the house. Her mother Linda's hoarding issues are closely connected to her emotional issues; she feels the need to 'hang on' to whatever to fill the psychological void within her. The older sibling Lisa's emotional issues have resulted in chaotic relationships, while Perry, in spite of his typically reckless mindset, showcases a tender heart being the youngest.

Reception
Overall, the movie got mixed to favorable evaluations. Critics appreciated the raw exploration of family dynamics, emotional anxiety, and individual growth within the story. The cast ensemble, particularly Carol Kane, received praise for their representation of uniquely flawed characters. Nevertheless, some critics felt that the film struggled sometimes to balance its tonal shifts between comedy and drama.

Parting Thoughts
In conclusion, "Clutter" is a thought-provoking movie that encapsulates the trials and tribulations of a dysfunctional household. It depicts a poignant journey filled with obstacles, emotional struggles, and eventual personal development. Through the metaphor of a cluttered home, the film explores the idea that organization and policy in one's life can help fight psychological chaos. Despite its mournful tone, "Clutter" leaves audiences with a positive outlook on household relations and individual advancement.

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