The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Ben Stiller has a bad rep when it come to acting in, producing and directing movies. Prone to be scathed at very opportunity from critics for his lack of originality, mediocre acting skills and exhausted plots, all of which I find a little more than harsh. In my experience I generally believe that he regularly puts together works that give his audience a worthwhile hour and a half or so of decent slapstick comedy, initiating a good few chuckles and the occasional belly laugh along the way. Although the quality has seemed to have declined of late compared to the 'Zoolander' and 'Dodgeball' heydays. He is not one to touch the inner workings of what it means to be human, nor one to set your brain into overdrive on a topic that unsettles you to the extent that leaves lost in patterns of thought and judgement straining your mental capacities and igniting a flurry of questions, enlightenments and doubts. No, he is not this, however his latest production does have a lot going for it.

A Film Long Overdue

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a film is based on the classic short story published in 1939 by James Thurber, who himself was a writer and cartoonist for the 'The New Yorker' magazine, which would lead one to believe that the character of Walter Mitty may have been one partly mirrored on his own life. The short story was previously produced into a film of the same name in 1947, starring Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo in the lead roles. The remake of the film had been in the works as far back as the early 90s under the influence of Samuel Goldwyn Jr, son of the famous Hollywood producer Samuel Goldwyn who financed the original. Goldwyn Jr wanted Jim Carrey as the lead character in the early stages but this never came to fruition, Will Ferrell was also considered in the later plans but I would assume the development of his character in Stranger than Fiction would have in some way been too similar to this story. For a good part of the next couple of decades the undertaking was seriously wedged in the pipeline. Ron Howard was in negotiations but put it aside in favour of Matthew McConaughey smeared wonderflop Edtv. Not until our man, modern day comedy king, Ben Stiller got on board as directer and protagonist with screenplay provided by Steven Conrad, screen writer for 'Pursuit of Happyness' and 'The Weather Man', did the filming process begin. This match up became the team to bring the story back to life, although with a number of alterations to the original.

Super Stiller Soccer Score!

Critique and Acclaim

A lot of criticism has been made of the leeway that has been taken with the changes made to the original plot, but I'm not going to dwell on that and I don't think anybody else should either. In my view, adaptations are meant to bring something new, to re-energize the storyline and give it new life. This is exactly what has been done here. It's brought to the 21st century and with that there are positives, with new cinematic technology, and also negatives, profit over artistry, to be attached. The attention to visual and musical detail is rewarded giving the viewer a feast of the spectacles with scene after scene of incredible imagery. From the beginning with the title credits and the look of the Life Magazine building as Walter is running to work we experience the film as an artistic design. There is also a nostalgic element to photography and the old photo prints and it's fitting that a missing film negative is the catalyst to set Walter's journey in motion and ultimately re-ignites the adventurousness of his youth.

To add to the visual aspect the musical soundtrack accompanying, provided by Theodore Shapiro, hits the mark every time. Among the contemporary hits, Jose Gonzalez's 'Far Away' and 'Stay Alive' feature. Also, Cheryl's rendition of David Bowie's 'Space Oddity' in one of Walter's daydreams that is the most memorable. The transition from Cheryl singing in the daydream to the Bowie version in the reality as it shows Walter facing his fears and taking a jump is a work of genius in itself. A nice addition is that of Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men with their hit 'Dirty Paws' featuring in the Icelandic scenes. But I think the song that stands above the rest and represents best the spirit of the story is Jose Gonzalez's 'Step Out'. The heart thumping refrain relates well to the shift in the film's pace as we witness Walter stepping out of his comfort zone and opens up to an unknown adventure.

Cheryl Melhoff played by Kristen Wiig

An Adventure's Delight

The film holds a cast of Hollywood actors including Adam Scott and a brilliant cameo from Sean Penn as mystic heartthrob photographer Sean O'Connell, but among them there is a handful of Icelandic actors including the lovable heartbroken alcoholic helicopter pilot played by Ólafur Darri Ólafsson. The real star of this movie however is Iceland. The images on the screen showed us an island full of beauty with it's picturesque landscapes, even the scenes set in Greenland were shot in Iceland (just in case you wanted to source that appealing Karaoke bar). I'm sure, if you're like me, after watching this you infested the internet information machine with incessant research looking for the best (and cheapest) way to enjoy some time in the mysterious volcanic island in the deep north of this world. Iceland's tourism will no doubt be delighted with the way it was depicted.

Sunset in Iceland

I know I've really praised this film to no end but I just find it refreshing and thoroughly invigorating. I recognise reasons why critics call it a bit indulgent for being a bit too sugary and even superficial. I think there is a balance to lead it away from that line of vision drowning final opinion. Sure it has it's cheap gags and predictable outcome, but it still doesn't lack genuine emotion and successfully captures the spirit of travelling and (self) discovery.
An uplifting cultivated Hollywood comedy adventure drama.
Yeah, that'll do. One for the collection.

Good Bye, Lenin!: 10 years on.

This year marked 10 years since the release of Good Bye, Lenin!. Hitting movie screens in 2003 to critical acclaim and international recognition, it won numerous awards, including 'Best Film' at the European Film Awards. Directed by Wolfgang Becker (Das Leben ist eine Baustelle) and co-written with Bernd Lichtenberg the film stars Daniel Bruehl (Inglourious Basterds), Chulpan Khamatova (Luna Papa) and Katrin Sass among a strong list of German based actors and actresses. The mesmerising soundtrack is provided by French musician Yann Tiersen (Amelie).

Wolfgang Becker remarks about this work in his director's notes that, "It's a slice of German history, but it's told incidentally and not placed in the forefront of the story." This film presents us with a close account of a family's experiences during one of the most important events in world history. The event itself seems like a backdrop in a story that engages the viewer with real life issues of love, care and friendship during this life changing moment. The comedic approach to the issues dealt with gives a relaxed tone, never delving into the nitty-gritty of the political conflict that we encounter.

Set in Berlin in 1990, the year of German reunification, and a year after the Wall fell, Alex and Ariane Kerner struggle to care for their mother as she recovers from a heart attack. The political landscape of the time divided people in their quests to develop their nation in different ways. Becker notes about having this historical moment of East Germany and reunification that he "was excited by the idea of combining both aspects and relating an important chapter of German history as well, or at least having it as a background." The issues of fantasy and reality also play a role in finding an identity in their lives, during a time where their own country is constructing a new image and identity itself. We question the implications of the German reunification. Is it the cause of joy or anguish? How do people reconcile the two nations as one and will it work? There are no definite answers, as we see, only reworking of lives, some may be for better and some may be for worse. It's not a film that gives us a whole account of this difficult and fascinating period but it's one poignant with dealing with the human condition in a state of change.

Division

"On August 26, 1978, we were world-class. East German citizen Sigmund Jaehn was the first German in space. On that day, things in our family started going seriously downhill."
These are the opening words we hear from the protagonist, Alexander Kerner, in the film's prologue. It marks just one important moment of many that we encounter in his young life. It's the day that his hero, 'cosmonaut' Sigmund Jaehn, flies into space with a Soviet crew but also when his mother realizes that her husband has left them, fleeing to the West. This moment is worth to note as it shows that the political and real divide between the two Germanys had a direct impact in their lives, splitting their family but also providing an idea that helped them cope during their ordeals as their mother, Christiane, became an active member of the Socialist party and young Alex an avid space enthusiast.

As Alex grows up his faith in his country diminishes, feeling restrained by its leaders and constrictions. His mother however remains determined that it's the best way. Alex starts to take part in peaceful marches against the government. During one march he is arrested in an event that his mother witnesses leading her to suffer a heart attack which leaves her in a coma for 8 months. Over this period the face of their nation changes as the reunification process begins with the fall of the Berlin Wall. When Christiane awakes Alex is left with the task in hiding this new Germany from her as it's thought to benefit her health. The world that he creates is one that many may have hoped for, comparable to his mother's efforts with the socialist party, her son finds himself obsessed in his tasks, this time in order save another tragedy from happening. Becker remarked about Alex that "he moves in a different direction, namely backwards, to rebuild what everyone else is merrily leaving behind."

Yann Tiersen - Summer 78

Fantasy/Reality

On the subject of fantasy and reality it could be remarked that the continuous and often comedic lengths that Alex goes to protect his mother are in actuality a way for him to escape his own reality, by taking care of his mother he forgets his troubles and finds comfort in creating this fantasy world. Bernd Lichtenberg noted about the political change of the people in this era that "The real existing socialism did not materialize, but the idea lived on. That is maybe simple but also very strong." Through Alex's efforts he brings together his mothers friends who have been deeply affected by the change and loss of their old society and culture, the idea lives on through them. Another touching moment is when Alex and Ariane find out that their father never ran away but was actually waiting for his family to come to him across the border with their mother deciding to stay. The reality comes to light when Alex finally meets his father and the image of him he once had vanishes away. All the time he thought he was abandoned it was actually his mother who chose to keep them from contact with him. The lies they were told eventually revealed the reality that it was their mother who abandoned their needs for a father. 

Alex and Lara (Daniel Bruehl and Chulpan Khamatova)

History

What we're left with after watching this film a strong connection to humankind. It touches us with the way this family has gone through this challenging time. Probably the most important thing about this film is that it shows the effects of the changes without ever taking sides, never saying who was wrong or who was right, which Germany was better and which was worse but rather giving us an account of human experience during this time. I believe after 10 years, and even longer than this, this film will be held to count as a true recollection of human struggle that history books can ever hope to express. 

If you're interesting in either watching or re-watching this great movie you may find it here on youtube: Good Bye, Lenin!.

Harper Simon: Harper Simon album review

It could be said that the release of your debut album at the age of 37 is something quite overdue for a musician, especially one of these talents. After all, it's in his blood, right?

Being the son of Paul Simon alone does give you a reputation to live up to. However, also choosing to enter a career that your father was rather successful in is brave to say the least, although growing up surrounded by music and musicians maybe it was inevitable that Harper would always take this path.
Success isn't genetic but comparisons will always be made. It's time now for him to find his voice.

Educated at the renowned Berklee College of Music, he grafted his musical and performing skills by playing the club circuit in New York, his hometown, in the early 90s. Thereafter he then collaborated with numerous artists including English cult band Menlo Park for whom he wrote songs and played guitar. Another collaboration of note was with fellow son of musical greatness, Sean Lennon, offspring of music legends John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Simon appeared on Lennon's album Friendly Fire and also accompanied him on tour, opening for Rufus Wainwright and The Strokes. 

The people featuring in the production of this album give a taste of folk scene at it's height in the 1960s and 70s. Bob Johnston was at the helm as producer, famous for his work with Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Johnny Cash. Session players included Charlie McCoy and Hargus Robbins, members of the original "Nashville A-Team", who played in sessions with numerous artists along with Lloyd Green, who was pedal steel player with The Byrds. Of course, also, father Paul had to pop his head into the studio door, co-writing Tennessee and The Shine, but these songs don't strike as the most memorable or ear catching on the album (although Tennessee does has a sweet country feel to it).

Harper Simon - Harper Simon

The opening track of this album, All to God, an old Shaker Hymn that was recorded close to before the mastering process began, gives us a euphoric introduction. It begins with just the voice and acoustic guitar which slowly transcends into a distorted meditative drone. Harper Simon is among us.

Harper Simon - Wishes and Stars

Wishes and Stars follows. An upbeat song full of feeling and wholeness, it shows the artist as a confident singer-songwriter (as the Lennonesque sunglasses suggest in the video below). The beat drives the foot-tapping tune, a feel-good, melodious indie-folk number with a simple string accompaniment that gives a rich roundness to the song.This is more in the style we will expect from Simon. Clean cut and radio friendly.

Harper Simon - Shooting Star (unofficial video)

A country influence can be heard in the fourth song, Shooting Star. With the pedal slide guitar beaming throughout the intro and chorus backing the free spirited lyrics, it feels like the perfect song to sit back and bask in a summer afternoon. Ah yeah..

Harper Simon - Berkeley Girl

Berkeley Girl, a slow paced beautiful and gleeful number with a finger picking guitar arrangement that would want to make you chew that damn piece of straw under those stars on the porch all night long and reminisce about all the good times. The simple lyrics hang heavy on the soul, sounding very Simon and Garfunkel, the calm voice is so uncanny it's almost scary. A fitting song to finish the album. 

The Legacy Continues...

This artist brings us into his musical world, with its roots firmly coming from the 1970s folk scene, the era Harper Simon grew up. The album develops these influences to become the wholesome contemporary indie-folk anthems of brilliance that we hear here and also in the music of other modern day folk and country influenced artists such as Band of Horses and chart toppers and concert favourites Kings of Leon. There is a lingering mellowness that can makes it impossible for this man to be anything other than his father's son (no suspicion as to mother Peggy faithfulness intended). The gift inherited can be seen in the strong songwriting ability in this album, the same talent that won his father critical acclaim and recording success both as a solo artist and as a duet in the form of Simon and Garfunkel. 

The rise of Harper Simon to come to the stage of releasing his solo album was one not of a meteoric one based on his father's merits but rather one built with care until the seeds were right to be sown for his own unique crop of talents to emerge. The torch has passed and it's shining a new light in a changing musical world. This album shows the world a hard working musician finally given his time for centre stage. It's relaxing, it's smooth, it's Harper Simon.