Directed by Mike Mills, this is a story of Justin (Lou Pucci) who at age 17 still sucks his thumb. He worries that his parents are going to split up, that he lacks a focus in life, and that the girl he longs for can never love him. His orthodontist (Keanu Reeves) hypnotizes Justin into quitting his thumbsucking, and a questionable diagnosis of ADD results in medication that launches him into a wave of over-achievement. His father, Mike (Vincent D'Onofrio), who is a Gart sports store manager and former pro football prospect before hurting his knee, is seen competing in a local 6k road race where Justin’s orthodontist passes him for the victory. Although the race is supposed to be "just for fun", it is clear that Mike is "very attached to the idea of winning". It is hard to make out that the race numbers are from the Crawfish Crawl, an event held in Oregon where this film takes place. Justin is also seen running down the street near the middle of the film as well as taking some final strides as the film comes to a close. Released on DVD January 24, 2006, you can order this film new or used from Amazon.com and view the official trailer below.
Thumbsucker Soundtrack
Released by Hollywood Records in 2005, this soundtrack was written and recorded primarily by Tim DeLaughter. Three tracks were performed by late singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, including the original "Let’s Get Lost" and covers of Big Star’s "Thirteen" and Cat Stevens’ "Trouble," the latter believed to be among the last tracks he ever recorded. All but four of the songs below can be purchased in MP3 format at Amazon.com:
1. The Crash
2. Scream & Shout
3. Slow Halls
4. What Would You Let Go
5. Empty Rooms
6. Wonderful You
7. The Rebecca Fantasy
8. Thirteen
9. Pink Trash Dream
10. The Green Lights
11. Debate Montage
12. Trouble
13. Skinny Dip
14. Sourness Makes It Right
15. Some Of The Parts
16. Matt Schraam
17. Let’s Get Lost
18. Justin’s Hypnosis
19. The Call Of The Wild
20. Wait And See
21. Move Away And Shine
22. Acceptance
23. Move Away And Shine (In A Dream Version)
