©-DR-LA VIE RÊVÉE DE WALTER MITTY de Ben Stiller (2013) p29
21/05/2015 09:47 par tellurikwaves
| Index | 480 reviews in total |
I saw an advanced screening of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" last night. To the right person, this movie is life-changing, life-affirming, and truly beautiful. No, the narrative isn't perfect. The script isn't perfect. There are narrative flaws and stretches of the imagination, but this movie is about stretching the imagination.
The concept - of an underachieving dreamer finally discovering the world - is something most of us can relate to. Accompanied by a truly beautiful soundtrack, Oscar-worthy camera work, and the surprisingly able acting of Ben Stiller, as well as an accompanying cast which includes Adam Scott, Kirsten Wiig and Sean Penn, among others, this is heart-warming and truly special.
*
I had been looking forward to seeing this movie since I saw the preview. I was a big fan of the original story, and although I knew the movie would be very different, I could see that this would end up being one of my favorite movies. I was not disappointed.
Ben Stiller is perfect as Walter Mitty. His performance was exactly what I wanted. There was one scene in particular that seemed a little out of place, but then again you have to remember that Walter Mitty has a very active imagination. Ben Stiller's performance was so engaging, a nice break from his usual slapstick roles (which I also love). If you are hoping to see him doing one of his usual humorous roles, you will be disappointed. If you want to see him capturing the emotions of a man that has a hard time expressing himself, you will love this movie.
The visuals in this film were particularly fantastic. From the New York offices of LIFE all the way to Iceland. Every scene was perfectly captured and just beautiful.
Finally, the soundtrack. While I was definitely distracted by the visuals and Ben Stiller's spot-on performance, the soundtrack deserves a nod as well. Every song fit perfectly with the tone of the film. There are a few scenes that stand out as particularly wonderful, and I'm sure you'll know what I mean once you see the movie. This will definitely be on my shelf once it is released.
Really my only criticism is Adam Scott. While he is great at playing the jerk boss, his beard is very distracting. It looks fake, as if they pasted it onto his face. Other than that, I think the movie was pretty much perfect and can be enjoyed by anyone looking to see a beautiful movie about a man with a very active imagination.Enjoy!
*
I expected this to be funny and perhaps a little goofy. What it is is a breathtaking work of art. This is Ben Stiller at his best. The movie is just wonderful. It's funny, thought provoking, touching at times and startling at others. It's entertaining throughout. The pace may seem slow at times to those used to action packed films, but I personally don't care for nonstop technically enhanced action scenes for no apparent reason. I've been hoping people would tire of those for some time now, so we can get back to good stories again. This was a great story, loosely based on the original short story by James Thurber. I wish there were more movies out there like this. That would definitely get me back into movie theaters. As well...the acting was superb all around. Kristen Wiig was outstanding--as usual. I think this may be her best work as well.
**
In Afghanistan on the snow covered Himalayan Mountains grizzled and world wise Sean O'Connell played by Sean Penn gazes at his coveted photo moment. Sean says that all he wants is to be "in the moment". Sean Penn is selfless gravitas in this moment as he confides in Ben Stiller's exasperated mild mannered Walter Mitty, who literally travels to the ends of the earth to track down the maverick old-school legendary photographer. Be in the moment and be present in life--are the eloquently poignant lyrics of Director Ben Stiller's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty".
I loved the James Thurber short story which Writer Steve Conrad based his update. Walter is the chronic day dreamer, an escape from his ordinary life. At times Director Stiller and Writer Conrad teeter capriciously all over the narrative landscape including a hysterical and touching eHarmony thread. Granted they humorously frame Walter's "zone outs" from reality. One obscure gag from "Benjamin Button" is nearly wacky enough to spiral into incoherence—fortunately it does not. There is the amazing upside. In a joyously freeing scene Walter skateboards down the winding roads of Iceland; spectacularly filmed by Stuart Dryburgh. Kristen Wiig in a touching turn goes unplugged with David Bowie's "Ground Control to Major Tom". All the curious rifting I think is forgivable for its noble purpose. "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" celebrates being present in life. No one is alone.
Ben Stiller is quietly heroic navigating Walter's transformation into the unknown. His blank stares as Walter "zones out" touch the depth of our own vulnerabilities. He is bold, funny, and aware. Walter Mitty (Stiller) is a photo negative archiver at Life Magazine. He has given up on his dreams, taking on the financial and emotional stress of his aging Mom brilliantly played by Shirley MacLaine, about to enter a care home. His sister is flighty wannabe actress Odessa (good Kathryn Hahn), dreams of playing Rizzo in "Grease". Walter joined eHarmony so he can date Cheryl Melhof (Kristen Wiig), who works in the same office. Wiig charms as Cheryl, the quirky single Mom of skateboarder son Rich (Marcus Antturi). Cheryl is smart and pretty, and is actually interested in Walter, if he had a clue.
Life Magazine has been taken over by another Company. To transition over to an on-line magazine, Ted Hendricks (brilliantly arrogant Adam Scott) heads the restructuring corporate team. Ted is a major jerk— arrogant and not as smart as he thinks. Walter is the sole personal contact of legendary cover photographer Sean O'Connell (Penn). When Sean's photo negative for the cover of Life's last newsstand issue is missing, Ted focuses his attention on Walter. Sean claims this is his best photo of his career. Walter must find the missing negative to save his job and possibly win over Cheryl. Working with Cheryl, Walter starts his search in Greenland. Somehow diverting to Iceland, Walter calls Cheryl from a Papa John's Pizza there. It all ties in.
Ben Stiller is inspiring, as "Walter Mitty" amazingly never takes itself seriously. The movie joyfully celebrates life as illustrated by the beautiful soccer game with Walter and Sean in the Afghan mountains. Stiller makes us pull for Walter as he reclaims his power. Kristen Wiig is funny and compassionate as Walter's gentle muse. She is surprising. Sean Penn is awesome as Sean O'Connell, strong and whimsically wise. Shirley MacLaine anchors in her Mother's unconditional love for her son Walter, without many words. Patton Oswald nearly steals the movie as Todd, the eHarmony profile adviser. Warm and hysterical he punctuates Walter's transformational journey. Stiller reminds us with humor and soul that Life is wonderful when we are present in it. "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is funny and beautiful.
*
I have given this a "10" rating. There was one minor issue I had with the movie that would make it not quite that in my mind, but a "9" rating would be an injustice to this extraordinary film and, since I'm unable to give it a 9.75 or something like that, "10" it is.
This movie strikes an incredible balance between indy/art-house and Hollywood epic. The pathos of the main character is well-captured in subtle ways, as are the feelings of triumph when he is able to go beyond his own self-imposed limitations. The cinematography is extraordinary-- this is a drama that *must* be seen in theaters. I expect that most adults with any sensitivity at all will find this a highly satisfying experience that speaks to their very cores. My wife and I were privileged to see it in an advanced screening, and can't believe we have to wait another couple of weeks for the official release to go back and see it again.
*
One really has to wonder what the professional reviewers are really thinking. We looked over the family movie list and barely decided to go to this one based on lackluster reviews. Six out of six of us REALLY liked it and found it deep and entertaining, and easy to watch. By all means, if you are looking to enjoy a movie, go see this one.
If you are looking for a connection to the original story, the connection happens during the first 45 minutes and then seems to go in its own direction. Big deal. The movie moves through characters development, plot lines, and geographies smoothly, and does not reveal its final hand until the end.
*
I loved this movie. I know some critics say this movie is like flicking through a National Geographic magazine. I disagree, this movie is a well-balanced triumph. Fantastic views, simple yet wonderfully poignant story line and strong lead actor. Kristen wig and Sean Penn had unidimensional roles within the movie but they are not the leads. The humor was tasteful, adequate and well placed. It was such a pleasant surprise from your day to day blockbuster and I strongly prefer this movie to the desolation of Smaug which I watched the night before. Ben Stiller has managed to achieve an impossible feat with this movie, an elegant contemporary film without excessive emotional histrionics or sexual overtones. Strongly recommend this movie to anyone looking for a modern take on life. Just like the lead, Walter Mitty is your everyday guy doing an everyday job faced with realistic modern day issues. One day, he takes a leap of faith and that has made all the difference. How can anyone not love this movie?
*
'Tropic Thunder', 'The Cable Guy', 'Zoolander'... Ben Stiller has created some entertaining comedies, but 'Walter Mitty' is by far his most audacious piece of direction so far. The story is solid and the cinematography is stunning, Stiller has created an utterly mesmerising spectacle that follows the same basis of the 1947 classic starring Danny Kaye. Whilst I found the majority of the film charming and entertaining, it's the beautiful cinematography from Stuart Dryburgh that really sells this flick, and in my opinion should have been worthy of an Oscar- nomination at the least. One of the most entertaining comedy-dramas I have seen in recent years, a film that Stiller should be proud of.
*
I would like to open with one word; Wow. I had been wanting to watch this movie since I had seen the first trailer. After being invited to an advanced showing I got very excited. The movie was outstanding. The cinematography was perfect and the character development was extraordinary. The film was very well paced and at no point did i believe the film was too short or that I felt rushed during the movie. It has its action moments and satire, but overall it is a very happy film. I will most likely see the film in the future again because this is up there with Forrest Gump and Django Unchained as a near perfect movie.
*
I saw this movie on a special sneak preview event. I admit being utterly mesmerized by some of the trailers. I did really enjoy the film. It has a nice message and is definitely a feel good movie. There is nothing wrong with that. For me, this is the most beautifully looking film I've seen this year. The cinematography and camera shots were fantastic - right up there with Life of Pi and Gravity. It's definitely worth seeing on the big screen. I personally enjoyed Ben Stiller in a more serious role. The film has comedic elements but everything is a bit more subtle and reflective of a man trying to find his inner courage and voice.
Sites externes
SENS CRITIQUE
Critique publiée par Eleanor Rigby le 11 janvier 2014
Ben Stiller est principalement connu pour ses rôles comiques. Tout le monde se rappelle ses performances dans « Mary à tout prix » ou encore « Zoolander ». Ce que le grand nombre ignore, c’est qu’il joue aussi bien en tant que comique qu’en tant qu’acteur dramatique. Il nous l’avait déjà démontré dans Greenberg de Noah Baumbach, en 2009, où il incarnait un dépressif, paumé qui reconnaissait une âme sœur dans une jeune femme de 25 ans, tout aussi paumée.
C’est aujourd’hui avec La vie rêvée de Walter Mitty que l’acteur nous montre tout son talent, puisqu’en plus de tenir le rôle principal du film, il en est aussi le réalisateur. Alors,ce film c’est quoi ? Tout d’abord c’est un remake, puisqu’un premier film avait déjà été adapté de la nouvelle de James Thurber, en 1947. Je ne l’ai pas vu,ni lu la nouvelle;du coup j’ai vu ce film sans aprioris. Quant à définir ce film par un style ou un genre, c’est déjà plus difficile. En effet, ce film est un condensé de plusieurs genres : comédie parfois potache, comédie romantique, film d’aventure, comédie sociale…
Que raconte l'histoire ?
Walter Mitty, quarantenaire célibataire, développeur négatif photo au célèbre Life Magazine, gentil rêveur présenté comme un loser n'ayant jamais voyagé ni fait quoi que ce soit d'extraordinaire dans sa vie se retrouve malgré lui propulsé dans une aventure à la découverte du monde et de lui-même, suite à la disparition/absence d'un cliché essentiel pour le tout dernier numéro du magazine.
La scène qui m'a marquée ?
Il y en a 2. Lorsque Walter se lance enfin dans l'aventure en sautant dans l'hélicoptère et celle où il fait du skateboard en Island. A couper le souffle. La scène qui m'a fait le plus rire est celle où il saute de l'hélicoptère ;-)
Une bonne raison d'aller voir ce film ?
C'est une bouffée d'air pur ! Une vraie ode au rêve, à l'aventure et à la prise de risques. Tout le monde peut à un moment ou à un autre de sa vie s'identifier à Walter Mitty parce que même en évoluant régulièrement, il y a toujours un instant où l'on déprime de voir que l'on n'est pas toujours au top, que l'on stagne, qu'on n'avance pas aussi vite qu'on le souhaiterait. Ce film redonne de l'espoir et donne la pêche ! J'ai adoré aussi me retrouver en Walter par son côté grand rêveur, je suis pareil !
Avec qui irais-je le voir ?
Une amie un peu déprimée par sa vie personnelle.
Note attribuée ?
Film hybride qui n'est ni vraiment une comédie, encore moins un drame, ce film s'inscrit dans une catégorie que l'on pourrait qualifier "d'initiation/apprentissage". Il fait du bien au moral et incite chacun à réaliser ses rêves.
Critique publiée par PApossible le 17 mai 2014
La vie rêvée de Walter Mitty, raconte l'histoire d'un employé du magazine Life, grand rêveur, qui est incapable de retrouver le dernier cliché de Sean O'Connell. Or ce cliché, le meilleur de Sean devait servir pour la une du dernier Life magazine.Walter, qui n'a jamais quitté New York, n'a jamais vécu quoi que se soit, va partir à la recherche de Sean grâce à ces photos qui lui serviront d'indice.Walter va alors devoir partir pour le Groenland, pour essayer de retrouver Sean et la photo afin de ne pas perdre son job.Va alors commencer un voyage, a travers certains des plus beaux endroits de la planète à la recherche de la photo.
Ce film est remplie d'une poésie, d'une mélancolie, assez rare dans les films de Ben Stiller (qu'il soit réalisateur ou juste acteur). Et sur le coup j'ai eu l'impression de voir un autre acteur, autre que le comique Ben Stiller. Sur ce point, ça m'a rappelé mon premier visionnage de Eternal sunshine of the Spotless Mind, où j'avais découvert un autre visage de Jim Carey. Et quel joie que de voir un acteur qui semble cantonné à un genre, faire quelque chose différent et ce avec brio.
De plus le film est tout de même drôle a certains moments (la scène du vélo est juste géniale).Mais pour moi, le plus réussi c'est l'idée du voyage avec ses paysages tous plus magnifique les uns que les autres. De plus la photographie est juste parfaite ajoutant encore un plus aux paysages. Le tout étant accompagné d'une très agréable musique.En commençant le film, je ne pensais pas voyager de telle sorte (sans même sortir de chez moi), vraiment une grande réussite, un film vraiment beau, vraiment touchant,drôle aussi. Un belle réussite J'attends avec impatience le prochain Stiller, maintenant.
Critique publiée par Psycho_pâte le 4 janvier 2015
Franchement, ce film est génial! Des images magnifiques qui donnent envie de voyager, une BO incroyable, une histoire géniale et des moments de rires, de pleurs, bref tout y est et c'est un merveilleux cocktail.Dans le film, le personnage principal ose faire ce dont je rêve depuis longtemps sans jamais oser, tout plaquer et partir sur un coup de tête (bon lui, par contre, s'il ne retrouve pas le photographe avec la fameuse pellicule, il va se faire virer donc, il a plutôt intérêt à bouger son cul). S'ensuit des rencontres incroyables, lui permettant d'avancer dans sa quête.Voilà, Walter Mitty, c'est le mec qui vit une aventure extraordinaire alors qu'à la base, il a une vie bien merdique.Ce film est rempli de positivisme, ça fait plaisir.
Critique publiée par Vermouth le 11 mars 2014
Un road movie qui fonctionne très bien!
Au début, j'avais un peu peur de cette "vie rêvée". L'homme ordinaire qui s'imagine ses supers pouvoir alors que la réalité est décevante pour lui. C'est sympa, mais au bout de la deuxième fois, on a compris le truc! Et ils savent s'arrêter à temps pour partir sur autre chose. très bon point! On ne s'ennuie pas du tout, tout s'enchaîne très vite et logiquement. Les paysages sont magnifiques, on se laisse embarquer avec plaisir et on y croit! Les acteurs se débrouillent très bien, les personnages savoureux et ça nous donne une belle histoire d'amour.Seul petit bémol : la fin! Elle me parait totalement improbable alors que tout le reste tombait pile poil! Quel dommage! Mais ça reste un très bon film, qui m'a vraiment agréablement surpris!