![]() ![]() This would not be a journey that I took alone. It is perhaps no wonder then, that I took to calling this new feature my Tokyo wallpaper and, every time I cast my eyes over it, it takes me on a journey straight to the heart of that incredible city. The rising sun is an image which immediately fires the imagination and one that is virtually synonymous with Japan. That's certainly a statement that a number of filmmakers could stand to hear more often.The last time I redecorated my living room, I chose a wonderfully vibrant image for my feature wall, a glorious golden sunrise over an incredible city landscape. After all, the film does tell us that "beautiful things don't ask for attention". That's a powerful thought, and this quietly beautiful film has the sense to not beat us over the head with it. Granted, there are a few goofs- for example, Walter seems keen on good rock music and skateboard culture, but he isn't aware of a popular David Bowie song? Also, how does one get a clementine cake, sweet as it may be, through customs? Those things don't doom the film, but I do feel it's another reason this will divide people- those that claim this has nothing to offer but cynical product placement messages, and those like myself that sense a broader theme of becoming who we want to be, and understanding where we lose our way. ![]() ![]() Instead, Stiller and crew have taken the spirit of the source material and adapted it to our world. I caution those looking simply for a pandering, feel-good story around the holidays. It was wonderfully refreshing to see a character, despite his quirks, find happiness in the midst of just being, well, a good guy. I believed in this Walter Mitty as a hard- working guy who missed out on life thus far due to some bad luck. That's why the big reveal of what that last cover image is a fantastic moment. A lesser film would make these emotional breakthroughs farcical, ala "Last Holiday", but this is subtle and decent. I think a good portion of society can identify with an individual that finally lets loose a bit, that allows himself, finally, the adventure he deserves. This causes him to seek it out, thus finally spurring him to make his fantasies become, well, realities. The problem is that Walter has either misplaced it, or it was lost along the way. However, before the end, they want to send up one last issue, and long-time contributor Sean O'Connell (Penn), who has sent a roll of film containing an image he specifically wants to become the last cover. Positions like Walter's are likely to be eliminated, as well as accounting spots like the one Cheryl (Wiig) holds down. Well, the print version of Life is going under in this film, and switching to an online format. I mentioned a transition manager, profiled in full douchebag by Adam Scott. There's a very good reason his life is the way it is, and again, it's presented without pretense. It also doesn't pander, or make us feel sorry for Walter. Here, the humor is subtle and fits the tone of the film. I like how this film pulls back the comedic reigns here- Stiller too often becomes, well, Stiller, and overdoses on the comedy. In other words, he's the full version of himself. He's confident and allowed to pursue that which he wants. In his escapes, Walter is well-traveled and mysterious, interesting and not invisible to others. Walter misses large chunks of actual time in his fantasy land, jolted back to reality by silence, love interests, or transition managers. Mind you, this isn't the type of absent-mindedness that you or I take part in. His problem, it seems, is that he daydreams. It's prescient, that his seemingly simple position holds so much sway, but we'll return to that idea. ![]() In essence, in the time Walter has worked at the publication, the very soul of the magazine has been processed on his watch. Walter Mitty (Stiller) is a negative asset manager for Life magazine- basically, his is the department responsible for bringing in and processing the film from the field that will go into the magazine (and by his 'department', I mean Walter and his assistant (Martinez) ). As a whole, it's a sweet, confident, and poignant film that has a lot to say, but I think it speaks only to those willing to listen. This is a film that may not resemble the source material verbatim, but the spirit is clearly alive, with a few touches to modernize the idea. Ben Stiller, who usually seems to have little clue how to use his specific talents, gives his best performance to date in front of and behind the camera. It might be difficult for choosy audiences with cynical dispositions, but if we can look past the pesky product placement in "The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty", we're left with one very, very good film. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |