copperbeech: blog 
copperbeech's blog
film ~ stranger than fiction
Published Jan 28, 2008
I must admit: I'd rather wash dishes than watch a film with Will Ferrell. Wrapped as he was around Maggie Gyllenhaal, Queen Latifah, Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, I put down the dishrag and gave it a chance. The premise is that Harold Crick's life is being narrated and only he can hear the narration, which portends his soon death. A rather methodical and predictable man, on his quest to isolate the circumstances behind this fate he enlists the help of a literary professor who attempts to sort out what sort of plot Crick's life may be. As the duo rifle through the criteria comprising great literary works Crick meets the woman whom he feels is writing his destiny. The issue here is that this renowned author is known for always killing off her main characters. As Crick endures the meltdown of unraveling his destiny, the linear way in which he lives becomes more organic, more fulfilling. Although the conclusion becomes somewhat predictable the journey to that resolution is nothing short of humorous and thought-provoking.
The plot of this film is unique. To observe the twists and witticisms along the way is worth the watch. I'd like to have seen more of Gyllenhaal's character. She was very well developed but not really used to her potential. Her more bohemian way of living was to be that of a foil to Crick's organized method. The culmination there was clear, but it just didn't give her character enough screen time. That said, the stellar cast surrounding Ferrell mellowed his usual take on comedy, elevating it to rather smart repartée on all counts. The film moves quickly, pacing consistently throughout, it ending no less a sudden powerful impact. Ultimately the film asks the question: Who's authoring the story of your life?
close4 Comments
(10 votes) raleigh growth plan to curb sprawl
(10 votes) deer gets revenge after hunter shoots him
(8 votes) real vs. fake: how 'green' is your tree?
(8 votes) ask fifi: why don't ducks freeze?
Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.
You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.
GOLO member since January 2, 2008
January 28, 2008 11:05 a.m.
GOLO member since October 17, 2007
January 28, 2008 11:01 a.m.
One great movie he was in is "Old School". That's one of the few great ones I can name that he was in. Rent that one. Granted, there are other great actors in it, too, but he also has a big role in it. Some of the funniest parts are the scenes Will is in.
GOLO member since January 2, 2008
January 28, 2008 10:53 a.m.
January 28, 2008 10:43 a.m.
Please log in to add comment.