MOVIE REVIEW: Ferrell brings deeper meaning to ‘strange’ comedy
“Well, Penny, like anything worth writing, it came about inexplicably and completely without method.”
That’s how Karen (Emma Thompson, “Nanny McPhee”) suspiciously explains to her publishing assistant (Queen Latifah, “Last Holiday”) how she developed the ending for her next book. Karen’s book, about the monotonous, lonely IRS agent, Harold Crick, is sure to be a masterpiece of fiction. But there’s a problem. Harold Crick (Will Ferrell, “Talladega Nights”) is a real person.
As Karen progressively writes her novel about Harold on her cold, articulate typewriter, Harold hears her voice narrating his life as it happens.
One would think that with such unbridled creativity, this film tries too hard to be original. But that is not so. “Stranger Than Fiction” proves to be an engaging, masterfully written story. It is also masterfully acted by everyone on screen and reminds us that our perceptions of reality and identity should not be so sharply delineated like black letters on a white page.
What makes “Stranger Than Fiction” even better is its subtlety. The dialogue, acting, and overall message don’t draw attention to themselves. Each piece of the film calmly contributes to the whole, making it a smart, simple, and even meaningful motion picture that is sure to be remembered for a long time.
There are plenty of surprises this film offers. The biggest one, perhaps, being that “Stranger Than Fiction” is not a comedy but a beaming work of post-modern poignance. Don’t let the star of the show fool you, “Stranger Than Fiction” has some superb moments with Ferrell in the strangest, and silliest, of situations. But as a whole, the film is more of a drama as it examines the life of one man and how he finally decides to live it.
I know this film’s initial concept seems absurd and directed toward the arrogantly intellectual. But any viewer can find meaning, and even themselves, through watching this delightfully imaginative tale. Being surprisingly relatable in its simpleness, and even emotional at times through its performances, “Stranger Than Fiction” will have your mind reflecting even as you’re grinning ear to ear.
Marc Forster (“Finding Neverland”), once again, directs a compelling film with wonder and artistry. Set in an anonymous city, with characters occupying expansive, unadorned interiors, “Stranger Than Fiction” remains modern and character-driven right until the end. These characters are delightfully kooky at the same time they are realistic, including Dustin Hoffman (“Meet the Fockers”) as an illogical literature professor and Maggie Gyllenhaal (“World Trade Center”) as a hot-blooded baker.
At times the story tries to cover too many themes and ends up seeming a little schizophrenic. But this is more than made up for with the striking performances from the cast. Nobody is dynamite necessarily, but more like the letters on a well-oiled typewriter, with everyone clicking together to make a complete and cohesive result.
With time being one of the strongest underlying themes throughout (Does time hinder you or help you?), your time will definitely not be wasted by watching this film.
Casey T. Allen is a real person, not a fictious character and is The Utah Statesman
movie critic. Comments can be sent to
him at caseyal@cc.usu.edu.