A large part of the appeal of the recent literature phenomenon, The Thirteenth Tale, is the fact that it is a book written for book lovers. As Stranger Than Fiction came to a close I realized that there is much of the same in this film. Will Ferrell’s latest finds him playing the character Harold Crick, who is himself a character in Kay Eiffel’s (Emma Thompson) new novel. The early humor in the film comes as Harold discovers the voice of the narrator in his head and comes to realize just who he is. The poignancy and depth of the film reveals itself after Harold discovers that his fate is that of Kay Eiffel’s previous literary heros: death. His only saving grace, for the moment, is that Kay Eiffel has a terrible case of writer’s block.
Being a fan of both Ferrell and Thompson I had high hopes for this film and I still came out of the theatre suprised at how good Stranger Than Fiction is. The performances are fantastic and the story has just the right amount of quirk, humor, mystery and romance to make the film enjoyable from start to finish. Will Ferrel’s trademark humor is quite subdued in this film and he proves himself to be a very capable actor. One who can remain funny without his trademark slapstick antics. I am hard pressed to think of an Emma Thompson performance that I haven’t liked and she once again delivers here. Although he is a first rate actor I was still suprised by how good Dustin Hoffman is in this film. His role is a pivotal one in the life of Harld Crick and I really enjoyed his performance. Maggie Gyllenhaal is also fantastic. I think the only miscast person was Queen Latifah and not because her performance was poor in any way. The role, that of a representative of the publisher come to push Eiffel through her writer’s block, did not seem to support the need for someone of Latifah’s caliber. In addition to these main players there were a few fun side characters, two of whom are very recognizable if you watch television regularly.
Stranger Than Fiction not only has a great cast, but there are terrific visuals that play a role in the film as well. An important part of the film are some great graphics that were evidently done by locals here in Kansas City. There are also several fantastic shots throughout the film. Great camera angles, lighting, color palette…all come together to really set the mood for each scene.
Stranger Than Fiction is a subtle film. It is a movie that takes its time developing, allowing the viewer to form a bond with Harold Crick. As the pressure mounts regarding Harold’s death you realize just how much you’ve been made to care about this character. It is a film in which we realize the importance and the life that is breathed into characters in books. I do not know exactly what to compare this movie to. It reminded me of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for some reason though I cannot really pin down why. Perhaps the whimsical nature of both films is similar. What I can say with confidence, however, is that I highly enjoyed this film. It was funny and moving and very charming. Marc Forster, director of Finding Neverland and Monster’s Ball, has made another fantastic film. Whether this film will find the right audience and generate big box office success remains to be seen but Stranger Than Fiction is a critical hit and one for lovers of books and romance that should not be missed.
Did I forget to mention that a watch is one of the main characters in the film? As silly as it sounds it is very fun and a ‘role’ that leads to much thought about the nature of time, etc. Plus it is a really cool watch.
Take the time, it is well worth it.
I loved this movie too… more so, I think, because I love books… I really appreciated Hoffman’s character and his points regarding Crick’s death. But then, I loved what Emma Thompson said at the end regarding Crick too.
… man, this is hard to talk about without giving away spoilers!
It really is Angela. People need to see it so we can talk about it!
It sounds fun…I’ll see if I can talk the Boy into going to see it with me! 🙂
I wanted to see that this weekend, but never got around to it!
Well get around to it!!! 😉
Definitely get around to seeing it, Janet, because there’s lots to discuss.
As you know, Carl, I really enjoyed the movie too. Who were the other TV actors that I would have spotted if I watched a lot of TV?
I didn’t recognize Tom Hulce until the credits, although I did know that his character looked familiar.
If you’ve seen any of the recent Sonic commercials you should recognize his two office mates….although Keri wisely pointed out that they were on the opposite sides of one another than they usually are in the commercials.
This was a fun movie which Keri and I both enjoyed. I am worried about my wife though and her knowledge of which side the actors usually are on in the commericals they are in. Very disturbing. 🙂
This movie sounds good, and I love the cast. But I never got the appeal of Will Ferrell.
Sounds like it’s worth checking out, though.
I really enjoy Will Ferrell. He can be very over the top, which I enjoy, but he can also be sweetly funny…like he was in Elf, Bewitched, and now this and these are my favorite of his films.
I’m excited to see this movie – it looked so good in the previews. We ended up at “Borat” instead this weekend.
I did go to a restaurant I think you’d love – Hell’s Kitchen (www.hellskitcheninc.com). The art is done by Ralph (I think) Steadman of “Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas” fame.
I’ve seen the TV ads for this film and wondered if it could possibly be too good to be true. Glad to hear it’s not. Now, to find time to go and see it…
Ah, it was hubby’s turn at the movies, BORAT. My turn this weekend!
Thanks for the encouragement, Carl. This looks like a delightful movie.
My dad saw “Stranger Than Fiction” this weekend and said that it reminded him of me. It is definately on my To Be Seen list. I’m still trying to get to the theatre to see The Prestige as well.
That is an interesting comment…I’d be interested to here what about it reminded him of you. Hopefully not the mundane day to day existence Harold had before he started hearing the voice! 😉
I don’t know if I’ll see this one, (maybe on video) but I am looking forward to seeing Elf again. I need some new decorating ideas! 😉
Me too…its been hard to control myself and not throw Elf in the DVD player.
I saw it last night and LOVED it! Did you see a clip from Monty Python playing on a tv in the background?
Oh yeah, noticed it right off.
Oh I want to see this one SO bad. I’m one of the few people I know who likes it when a comic actor tries to do serious roles, like Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey. I loved Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine. I just knew Will Ferrell could pull it off too.
And I’m still trying to get out to see The Prestige too. Did you see there is going to be a Houdini movie with Guy Pearce? I just love him. Plus I saw Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell has been optioned as well. So many magic movies, so little time!
oh, i can’t wait to see this movie, and good reviews from people I respect makes me
want to see it all the more! It might have to be a priority sooner rather than waiting for
dvd!
I’ve been wanting to see this. I saw the previews for it when I went to so see The Departed. Thanks for the review – after my husband drags me to the new James Bond (well not drag, I can appreciate James Bond although I’m not obsessed like he is) this weekend, I think I will drag him to Stranger than Fiction next weekend 🙂
My husband and I went to see this movie on the weekend and both loved it. There were just so many good lines and moments.
We saw this movie the day after Thanksgiving. I REALLY liked it while my wife thought it was okay. I’d really like to know if the watch is real. If so, what kind of watch is it? I want one!
I thought the same thing Laszlo…they’d almost be stupid not to cash in on that marketing opportunity.
The watch is a Timex Ironman Triathlon Dual Tech Watch.
Thanks Chris! Just watched this again last night and was wondering about this. I appreciate the info! 🙂