The Tracey Fragments

Fragmented is right. The Tracey Fragments splits the screen into multiple images to view the complicated life of one teen forced into precocious adulthood. But this isn't Haskell Wexler split-screen imagery nor is it a De Palma multiple point of view division of the cinematic space. Canadian Bruce McDonald (Hardcore Logo and Highway 61 are a couple of his films that've found distribution in the States.) uses the frame to blast Tracey's experiences into temporal fragments. The few seconds the image is full frame only serves to remind the audience how divided Tracey really is.
The Tracey Fragments stars Ellen Page and she made the film between American Crime (like Tracey a film that exists at festivals but hasn't found proper U.S. distribution) and Juno. In fact her character has many of the same vocal nuances that made Juno so endearing. At times Tracey Fragments cries out to be a one-woman stage tour de force because basically the entire film reflects her damaged psyche.
That said, The Tracey Fragments demands a serious audience, one that won't get distracted by McDonald's cinematic purposeful overuse of frame separation. Tracey's life isn't cute, perky or fun and likewise the film follows a path lined with toe stubbing realities. The Tracey Fragments unreels weeknights at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston until July 6.