Family dysfunction is taken to the sharp edge of insanity in Running With Scissors, a wry drama based on the memoirs of Augusten Burroughs. Young newcomer Joseph Cross is quietly engaging as the budding scribe, whose childhood in the 70s plays like an acid vision to the strains of 10cc, The 5th Dimension and Elton John. Writer/director Ryan Murphy tends towards an overload of kitsch, making this 'true story' feel somewhat affected, but it's still a trip worth taking.

In a fairground of flashy performances, Annette Bening is the main attraction as Augusten's mother Deirdre. She's hell-bent on becoming a celebrated poet and uses all manner of drugs to help her "break through to the creative subconscious". Despite her selfish and sometimes cruel behaviour, Bening's interpretation elicits as much sympathy for Deirdre as for the son she neglects.

"A MIDDLEBROW EFFORT"

Dispensing the pills is Dr Finch (Brian Cox), the mad shrink who takes Augusten into his home. "My turd is a direct communication from God," he announces to 'the family' as they peer with wonder into a toilet bowl. It's typical of the outrageous humour that brightens the story, and occasionally casts doubt over its veracity. The problem stems mainly from the shallow portrayal of the Finches, especially Gwyneth Paltrow as the dutiful daughter, who communicates telepathically with her cat... Jill Clayburgh is the butt of more jokes as the kibble-munching Mrs Finch, yet she also brings surprising pathos. It's between the wacky gestures that the sincerity of the actors most memorably cuts through.

WATCH: BBC Movies' Running With Scissors video review

Running With Scissors is released in UK cinemas on Friday 2nd February 2007.