Tarnation
User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 41
  3. Negative: 5 out of 41

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  1. joomjim4
    Jun 18, 2012
    10
    This is the film I gaurantee you have never ever seen before and unavoidably, will stuck in your head for the rest of your life. The most powerful and inspirational piece of documentary feature and is considered,personally, to be the true triumph of the film's world.
    [Harrowing, Hopeful, Remarkable, Masterpiece!]
  2. SEBASTIAN
    Oct 20, 2006
    10
    What would you feel if you have the possibilitie of watch your life on TV?. This film is astonishing
  3. Scarlet
    Mar 8, 2006
    10
    It was one of the best documenterys I've seen in a while plus it got my grade in school out of the trash can.
  4. NickB.
    Mar 15, 2005
    9
    I gave this a 9 to keep it from the god-like film experience I think the hype is going for. Nonetheless, this is an extremely intense movie. At times it seemed a bit self-indulgent, but beyond the forced and contrived moments that were scarce but present, Jonothan Caouette brings forth a documentary at its most brutal and raw stage. There are certain scenes that are simply chilling and unnerving. I saw it two days in a row just to be able to fully digest the experience. I think this is a film that you should not miss, if for nothing else than its place as breaking down some barriers with how a documentary can be made and distributed.… Expand
  5. melanied.
    Apr 25, 2005
    10
    This is one of the most inventive, arresting devastating and beautiful films I have ever seen. If you care about cinema it is not to be missed. Sublime.
  6. DavidF.
    May 23, 2005
    10
    Great film that really goes into deep abyss of a really crazy upbringing. This film is a great part of Jonathan Caouette's healing process.
  7. LaneG.
    May 29, 2005
    10
    A brilliant film that is clearly the work of a self-indulgent filmmaker who isn't afraid to show himself and his family with brutal honesty, even when doing so illuminates his own foibles.
  8. JamesP.
    Nov 27, 2004
    10
    From his own personal agony, Jonathan Caouette accomplishes a film that is poignant, original, and artistic. The work is as inspirational as it is painful.
  9. CarlM.
    Nov 28, 2005
    10
    Very probably one of the best movies I have ever watched. If its really a documentary it is the best documentary ever, if it is fiction it will still be a movie so strong and heartbreaking that it will change your life - and how many movies actually have the power to influence other peoples lifes so much? Strangely enough, I somehow don't really look forward to any more movies from Jonathan, I simply hope this masterpiece will give Jonathan the peace of mind he deserves.… Expand
  10. [Anonymous]
    May 21, 2005
    10
    Outstanding. raw human emotion and resilience. art that reaches beyond what words can communicate, cutting to the depth of human suffering. by letting us in if only for a short time, what we learn, will remain forever with us. what they model for us, we can only hope to achieve.
  11. RussellL.
    Nov 13, 2004
    10
    This was a life defining film experience. Please see this moving - make connections to your own lived experience. You will be challenged, disgusted, moved, and changed.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Sheri Linden
    90
    Layering soundtrack and visuals in an intricate collage of rich emotional texture, he (Jonathan Caouette) displays an exhilarating talent.
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  2. The New Republic
    Reviewed by: Stanley Kauffmann
    70
    Caouette has opened up a case history vividly, but he has left us without any conclusions, not even with much enlightening empathy. Something more than truth--dare one say "mere truth"?--is needed.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    88
    The result is a film that defies description. I'd call it some kind of miracle.
    Read full review
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