Norman is a 2010 American drama /comedy film directed by Jonathan Segal.
A brilliant but no less awkward high school senior coming to terms with his mothers recent death and his fathers refusal to take hospice treatment for recurring and terminal cancer strikes a connection with a sweetly natured transfer student and an English teacher who is sympathetic to his plight.
However, in a failed attempt to communicate his depressing situation to a friend Norman instead claims he is the one dying. Soon word spreads around the school and while former bullies apologise for past misdeeds and cheerleaders show a newfound interest Norman adds further emotional weight to his tremendous burden.
STARS Emily VanCamp FROM TV HIT SERIES “REVENGE”!
Original music by Andrew Bird
Awards
- Breckenridge Festival of Film 2010 – Won Best of the Fest Best Ensemble Cast
- Woodstock Film Festival 2010– Nominated Jury Prize Best Narrative Feature
Review by Variety
“Ingratiating “Norman” starts out in familiar latter-day teen-comedy territory, its protag an alleged misfit who’s brighter and funnier than any of his classmates. But Jonathan Segal’s polished sophomore feature (following 2004′s “The Last Run”) — scenarist Talton Wingate’s first — effectively grows more serious as it confronts the already grieving hero with the imminent loss of a second parent…“Norman” gradually ditches the snark in favor of poignant, understated dramatics. Father and son’s final scene together is a perfectly judged example of restraint maximizing emotional impact. Jenkins is fine as usual, Byrd appealingly antic and pained by turns; their familial rapport feels very natural. Likewise, Norman’s first romance is handled without cliched beats. Assembly is accomplished on a budget. Indie rock darling Andrew Bird contributes songs and an original score.”