My crazy diary

The series takes place in 1996 in the British town of Stamford , Lincolnshire . The main character of the series is the 16-year-old girl, Ray Earl, who is overweight and also just discharged from a psychiatric clinic. The story begins with her close friend Chloe, unaware of Ray's mental problems, trying to help her by introducing her friends: Archie, Finn, Izzy and Chopp - “the coolest people in Lincolnshire.”

Basic composition

Ray Earle ( Sharon Rooney ) is a full 16-year-old girl who spent four months in a psychiatric clinic, where she got because of an acute attack of auto-aggression. She is trying to deal with her mental problems and aversion to appearance, to match her new friends. He loves quality music. In the second season begins to meet with Finn Nelson.

Linda Earl-Bustat ( Claire Rushbrook ) - Ray's mother, fond of diets and trying to be strict. He marries a Tunisian named Karim, which is why he has a slight confrontation with his daughter. At the end of the first season she marries Karim, in the second season she gives birth to a daughter from him.

Dr. Kester ( Ian Hart ) is Ray's personal therapist, helping her solve problems and gradually gaining her confidence, despite some conflicts. Has family problems, which Ray accidentally finds out about.

Finn Nelson ( Nico Mirallegro ) is one of Ray's new friends, a little moody and silent. Just like Ray, he loves quality music. Between them there are romantic feelings that develop in the second season.

Chloe Gimmel ( Jody Comer ) is Ray's childhood friend. Attractive, sociable and popular girl, nevertheless having many psychological problems. I met with a physical education teacher and was pregnant from him, subsequently had an abortion, only Ray knew about this.

Archie ( Dan Cohen ) is Ray's friend, a homosexual who hides his orientation for fear of public condemnation. Kissing with Ray before she found out about his sexual orientation. Met with one of the most popular college girls. In the third season, he had a romantic relationship with an employee of the music store "Town Records", where Ray worked.

Izzy (Ciara Bucksendale ) is Ray's friend, a red-haired, smiling girl. At the end of season one, he begins dating Chopp. At the end of the third season he does the same tattoo on his arm as Chopp does.

Arnold Chopp Peters ( Jordan Murphy ) is Ray's friend, an avid Oasis fan. In love with Izzy, and with all possible help, Ray begins a relationship with her at the end of the first season. Upon learning of Archie's orientation, he was in a quarrel with him for a while, however, not without Ray's help, they made peace.

Danny “Two Hats” ( Darren Evans ) - one of the patients in the mental hospital, sympathizes with Tix. Subsequently, he became part of the party of Ray and her friends.

Thicks ( Sophie Wright ) - one of the patients in the mental hospital, girlfriend and adviser Ray. Suffers from anorexia nervosa and wants to be like Ray. Falls into a coma from exhaustion after Ray forgets about her and does not come to the meeting. Dies after the events described in the first season.

Liam Owen ( Turlow Convery ) is Ray's classmate, loner and rebel. Had a short romantic relationship with Ray.

Katie Sprinter (Fay Marcy) (season 3) is a former college student where Ray, Chloe, Izzy and Finn study. He returns to Stamford to tell high school students about his studies at the University of Bristol, where Ray is going to go. Had a conflict with Ray over Finn.

Criticism

The first season of My Crazy Diary has been praised differently by many critics. So, Sam Wollaston from The Guardian said that this is “a sweet drama - honest and painful, but very funny at the same time”. He also called Sharon Rooney's lead role play “natural, laid-back, and very believable.” ^[1] The Stage called the series “a tragicomedy that equally suits both genres; My Mad Fat Diary offers a unique and uncompromising panorama of teenage fears, which alternate between suffering and pleasure. Visual tricks like flashbacks, fantasies, and animated flourishes on top of the frame are not used so often, but effectively, helping to focus on Ray and Rooney playing her ” ^[2] . The Art Desk said that "the first episode of this seven-part comedy is touching, lively and absolutely amazing." Claire Webb on the Radio Times expressed the opinion that the plot is “both fun and fast-moving, although not everyone can like the tricks and teasing” ^[3] . The American radio station WBEZ in Chicago , Illinois , called the series "the best show you could ever see." ^[4]

Rewards

Actress Linda Earl-Bustat, actress Claire Rushbrook, was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

• " My Crazy Diary ” on the Internet Movie Database
• My Mad Fat Diary on Channel 4