7.1
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Tarnation
2003·Movie
Tarnation fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Cringe Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Absurdist Humor1
World
A real life story, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Novelty9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, storytelling, and characters
- Direction9
- Narrative Structure9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout editing, visual style, and sound design
A distinctive visual signature.
- Editing10
- Visual Stylization8
- Sound Centrality8
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Tarnation is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, profoundly sad, and nostalgic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity8Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumA real life story, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around a real life story, family, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical9Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Tech & Humanity7Human stories in a tech world.
Craft
HighStandout direction, storytelling, and characters
The direction, storytelling, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative9Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative8Stories about storytelling.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Acting0Performance craft and presence.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout editing, visual style, and sound design
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the editing, visual style, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Editing10Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Cinematography4Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition4Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Your greatest creation is the life you lead
Filmmaker Jonathan Caouette's documentary on growing up with his schizophrenic mother -- a mixture of snapshots, Super-8, answering machine messages, video diaries, early short films, and more -- culled from 19 years of his life.
Experimental DocumentaryAutobiographicalMental Health FocusRaw & IntimateNon-Linear NarrativeFound FootageFamily TraumaProfoundly MovingEmotional JourneyUnique Storytelling
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Tarnation
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Tarnation worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 93%, and Metacritic 87). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Tarnation rated?
Disturbing imagery
Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is Tarnation?
1 h 31 min
Tarnation runs 1 h 31 min.
Is Tarnation based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Tarnation?
Critics90
Audiences71
Not quite. Critics rate Tarnation higher (90) than audiences (71). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Tarnation in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.