Pumpkin : Production Notes


Pumpkin (2001) - synopsis imageThe idea for Pumpkin (2001) came from writer/director Adam Larson Broder's observations while he was a student in college. "I lived next to Greek Row," says Broder. "As a non-member and sometimes an outcast, I was left alone to observe the rituals of Greek life, including a certain sorority's charitable activity involving a group of developmentally disabled kids." That incident inspired the story of Carolyn and Pumpkin.

The film walks a fine line in its scope. On one hand, it's a hilarious, satirical send-up of collegiate Greek life and of people's reactions to those that are "different." On the other hand, it's a moving and sincere story about people letting their desire for acceptance override their real feelings. For Broder, the element keeping the humor from overshadowing or blurring the film's message is the honesty with which it is portrayed. In every aspect of the characters' journeys, the filmmakers and cast kept things based in reality.

For instance, the film's portrayal of sororities and fraternities wouldn't be so wickedly humorous if it weren't so teasingly close to the real thing. "The great thing about the Greek system depicted in the film," says Broder, "is that everything about it - the rituals, the ways of speaking - are completely absurd, yet completely real. Everything in the film is based on some form of reality, and that's why I think the film works on different levels."

In addition to its dark humor, it's Pumpkin's unconventional love story that makes it so compelling. Pumpkin deals with two people from completely different worlds who fall in love. While everyone is shocked at their pairing, it's the original nature of their relationship that makes it so affecting, which in turn makes it a very effective film.
"The movie portrays a journey of self-discovery by a young woman (Carolyn) whose love for Pumpkin forces her to awaken to the hypocrisy around her," says Broder, "and to find courage, strength, and humanity within herself that she never knew existed."

"I love the notion of Carolyn, who is the quintessential 'insider,' having to experience life as an outsider for the first time, and her eventual embrace of this new status," says producer Andrea Sperling. "Carolyn and Pumpkin's relationship in the film reminded me of the unlikely romance I enjoyed so much in Hal Ashby's Harold and Maude."
It was the unconventional nature of the script that also first attracted its star, Christina Ricci - but not initially as an actress. When she first read Pumpkin, Ricci signed on to produce the film, not act in it. "I was attracted to the material when I read it and really admired the script, but I didn't immediately imagine myself in the role of Carolyn," says Ricci. It wasn't until later when they were all working hard in pre-production that they decided Ricci would also be the best choice for the role, in addition to her many producing duties. Wearing two hats in the film was a challenge for Ricci, but a challenge she enjoyed.