One of the biggest films this Christmas was Ben Stiller’s remake of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Walter Mitty is a quiet, responsible man, who works as the Negative Asset Manager for Life magazine, where he spends hours in the basement, processing photographs, in particular those of famous photojournalist Sean O’Connell. As a teenager, Walter dreamed of travelling, but after his father died he stayed at home to look after his family. Now he spends his time caught up in daydreams and his fantasies of pretty colleague, Cheryl.
When Life magazine is threatened with closure, Walter has to prepare the latest photo submission from O’Connell for the cover. But with the picture missing, Walter is forced to undertake an amazing journey to track down the photographer and save the final issue of his magazine.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this film, but I was hoping it would be an inspiring adventure, rather than a cringe worthy comedy and I wasn’t disappointed.
Maybe it’s because I’ve been feeling reflective lately, and wondering a lot about the direction my life is taking, but I really related to Walter and his fantasies of being someone larger than himself. He has spent so many years immersed in the day-to-day of life, working and caring for his family, that he has never allowed himself to follow his own dreams.
But when circumstances force him to search out celebrated photojournalist Sean O’Connell in Greenland, he discovers a whole new side to himself. His adventure is life affirming and I may have shed a few happy tears.
Walter’s journey is set against some spectacular backdrops, from Greenland and Iceland to the Himalayas. Along the way he meets a host of quirky characters and comes to realise that there is more to him, and more to life, than he thought.
This film also has a great soundtrack, including Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men, and a few idiosyncratic moments that bring the story to life. One of my favourite scenes was when Walter found himself in a tiny pub in Greenland, afraid to get onto a helicopter with a drunken pilot. He imagines Cheryl appearing on stage and singing David Bowie’s Space Oddity whilst strumming a guitar, encouraging him to go out into a building storm and jump on board the helicopter, as she watches him, hair swirling in the wind.
This isn’t a perfect film; it has the dreamy air of something that Wes Anderson might produce, but with a mainstream, big budget vibe. I found this movie to be a bittersweet reminder that we can find happiness in the details and we should never forget about our dreams, no matter how far away from them our lives may take us.
Dan O. says
May not be a perfect movie, but still a good one that has me interested in what Stiller will be able to do next. Good review Amy.
Amy Lord says
Thanks Dan, glad you enjoyed the film. You’re right, Stiller can do much more than the usual comedy, hope he does more like this in future.
MizLit says
What I thought was most interesting is that this version of the story (unlike the previous movie and the short story) was the ultimate lesson was less about Walter’s dream life and more about the importance of every day responsibilities, every day moments — and how we should value the people who are dedicated to everyday life — especially when those people are us. While Walter’s adventures changed his self perspective (and the perspective of some of those around him), the uber adventurer admired and valued Walter for who he was and what he did in his daily, seemingly non-incredible life.
Amy Lord says
Great point, I couldn’t agree more! While Walter’s journey is about following his dreams and realising his potential, it’s also about realising that there is value in the work he has been doing all those years. Without his help, Sean O’Connell wouldn’t have had the same level of success; yes, freedom and adventure are great ideals to have, but they don’t necessarily surpass hard work. Whatever life you choose has meaning, you just have to be able to recognise it. Thanks for the insightful comment!
Sara Strauss says
I really, really want to see this! It looks fun and meaningful!
~Sara
Amy Lord says
I think you’d enjoy it – great film!