Synopsis

In the 1970s, teenage Augusten Burroughs is sent away by his unstable, aspiring-poet mother to live with her psychiatrist and his eccentric family. Surrounded by neglect, manipulation, and unconventional relationships, Augusten struggles to find stability while gradually recognizing his own identity and developing the determination to escape his chaotic childhood.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film adapts Augusten Burroughs' 2002 memoir of the same name, which became a bestseller and drew attention for its unusual account of family dysfunction and adolescence.

• Ryan Murphy reportedly pursued Burroughs persistently for the screen rights. Burroughs had initially resisted a film adaptation because he feared Hollywood would turn the material into something merely quirky or campy.

• The production was made through Plan B Entertainment and TriStar Pictures, with a reported budget of approximately $12 million.

• The film marked Murphy's feature-film debut after his television work, including the series "Nip/Tuck."

• The soundtrack combines recognizable 1970s pop songs with jazz, classical music, and electronic material. The Tosca track "d-moll," heard during the stew scene, returns as a recurring musical theme.

• The memoir's factual status became controversial. A family identified as the model for the Finch household sued Burroughs, his publisher, and Sony Pictures, alleging defamation and invasion of privacy. The claims involving Sony were settled before the film's theatrical release.

• Annette Bening received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for her performance as Deirdre Burroughs.