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Running with Scissors 2006

A young boy's life takes an unexpected turn when his mother, struggling with her own issues, places him in the care of a peculiar psychiatrist. He’s thrust into the therapist’s chaotic and unconventional household, filled with eccentric personalities and unusual behavior. Augusten Burroughs must navigate this bizarre new world, confronting the challenges of family, identity, and growing up in a deeply unconventional environment.

A young boy's life takes an unexpected turn when his mother, struggling with her own issues, places him in the care of a peculiar psychiatrist. He’s thrust into the therapist’s chaotic and unconventional household, filled with eccentric personalities and unusual behavior. Augusten Burroughs must navigate this bizarre new world, confronting the challenges of family, identity, and growing up in a deeply unconventional environment.

Does Running with Scissors have end credit scenes?

No!

Running with Scissors does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Running with Scissors

Explore the complete cast of Running with Scissors, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Running with Scissors

See how Running with Scissors is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Running with Scissors stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

52

Metascore

6.7

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

%

TOMATOMETER

review

0%

User Score

TMDB

58

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Running with Scissors Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Running with Scissors with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Running with Scissors Quiz: Test your knowledge about the tumultuous life of Augusten Burroughs in 'Running with Scissors'.

Who is Augusten's mother?

Awards & Nominations for Running with Scissors

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by Running with Scissors, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Running with Scissors and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


12th Critics' Choice Awards 2007

Joseph Cross
Nomination

Best Young Actor

Joseph Cross

64th Golden Globe Awards 2007

Annette Bening
Nomination

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Annette Bening

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Running with Scissors

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Read the complete plot summary of Running with Scissors, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


As the chaotic journey of Augusten Burroughs unfolds, his mother, Deirdre, a frustrated poet, navigates through life with unpredictable mood swings that turn their home into a tumultuous environment. Her volatile behavior and explosive temper create an atmosphere thick with anxiety, leaving young Augusten feeling perpetually unsafe. Meanwhile, his father, Norman, whom the narrative portrays as an enabler grappling with his own inner demons, is rendered impotent against Deirdre’s erratic outbursts. Caught in a web of constant turmoil, Augusten feels the impact of their toxic dynamics as a teenager, where each interaction brims with tension.

Deirdre’s alarming assertions that Norman intends to harm her further intensify the fragile family fabric, pushing her to make a desperate decision: sending Augusten to live with Dr. Finch, a captivating yet unconventional psychiatrist who manages an equally eccentric household. The Finches embody a peculiar mix of oddities and heart, an adjustment that proves challenging for Augusten as he learns to embrace their warmth.

As Augusten confronts this new chapter, he faces irregular weekend visits from his increasingly unstable mother. During one such encounter, he opens up to Natalie, Dr. Finch’s daughter, about his emerging sexuality. This revelation paves the way for an unexpected connection with Neil Bookman, the doctor’s adopted son, who, at 33 years old, grapples with his own vulnerabilities. Their relationship, fraught with passion and complexity, struggles under the weight of an age gap, particularly as Augusten nears his fifteenth birthday.

Amidst all this, Dr. Finch cleverly manipulates Deirdre, coercing her into transferring her assets to him, revealing the exploitative nature of their interaction rooted in her fragile mental state. As time elapses, Augusten’s sense of abandonment deepens, compounded by Neil’s battles with schizophrenia and the mounting resentment from Dorothy.

Ultimately, seeking liberation and a renewed sense of purpose, Augusten decides to sever ties with the Finches and head to New York City, intent on fulfilling his dream of becoming a writer. His departure is marked by an emotionally charged moment with Agnes, who gifts him a token from her personal savings, encapsulating the weight of their farewell.

In a bittersweet post-credits scene, the conclusions for each character unveil themselves: Dr. Finch loses his medical license due to insurance fraud, passing away in 2000; Agnes finds herself working in a nursing home, Natalie pursues a psychology degree, and Hope supports her father until his death in 2005. In an unexpected twist, Norman rekindles contact with Augusten before his own passing in the same year, while Deirdre remains distanced from her son and Neil disappears without a trace. Ultimately, Augusten emerges as a writer, chronicling the profound experiences that shaped his life.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Running with Scissors

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Running with Scissors. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Running With Scissors - Trailer

Cars Featured in Running with Scissors

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Explore all cars featured in Running with Scissors, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Buick

1966

Skylark

Buick

1966

Wildcat

Chevrolet

1968

Camaro

Chevrolet

1969

El Camino

Chevrolet

1965

Impala

Chevrolet

1970

Impala Custom

Datsun

1976

B210

Dodge

1966

Coronet

Ford

1968

Country Squire

Ford

1968

F-100

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


gay couplegay charactergaygay interestgay songay teenagergay brotherdown syndrometoiletwatching tvcooleccentric familyboywriter cameo appearancehomosexual charactermustached manbreaking a glass doorlesbian characterneighbor neighbor relationshipwriterfamewritingalcoholictherapistdreamcosmetologyschooljournalpoetdivorceadopted sonpetbased on autobiographybad mothercoming of agecigarette lighterreference to nat king colereference to golda meirangerphone hang uppolicemantoothpastebirthday candlerestaurantsnowingprologuetab the drinkragedoctorreference to queen elizabeth ii

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