Back in 2013, I sat in a local cinema with my parents, watching 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' as a primary school kid. At the time, the complexities of the storyline flew over my head, but the stunning visuals left an indelible mark. Last night, years later, I stumbled upon the movie again on Netflix and decided to give it another watch, this time as an adult. Watching it brought back a flood of childhood memories, yet the experience was profoundly different. I found myself connecting with the film on a deeper level, appreciating nuances I had missed as a child. 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,' with its story of a man lost in daydreams, resonated with me, bridging my past and present in unexpected ways.
The Quintessence of Life
Directed by Ben Stiller in his fifth directorial effort, 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' starts with a seemingly simple premise: a man prone to daydreaming falls in love with a coworker. While this might initially seem cliché, the film quickly elevates beyond its straightforward beginning. Delving deep into the psyche of Walter Mitty, the protagonist, it explores his vivid and often exhilarating fantasies. As the story unfolds, it expands significantly, moving from mere daydreams into a full-blown adventure that not only threatens Walter's mundane job but also challenges his very perception of reality. This unexpected journey blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, adding layers of intrigue and depth to the narrative, making each scene increasingly compelling as the film progresses.
Ghost Cat
The cast of 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,' while not star-studded, features Ben Stiller in the lead role as Walter Mitty, the protagonist. Kirsten Wiig plays Cheryl Melhoff, Walter's coworker and love interest, adding a romantic dynamic to the storyline. Sean Penn portrays Sean O'Connell, the elusive photographer whose trail sparks Walter's adventurous quest. Adam Scott appears as Ted Hendricks, Walter's irksome new boss, and Shirley MacLaine plays Edna Mitty, Walter’s supportive mother. Overall, the cast delivers solid performances, with Sean Penn's portrayal of the mysterious O'Connell being particularly memorable for his enigmatic presence. While the acting is commendable, it may not be exceptional, but it effectively supports the film's narrative and emotional journey.
Beautiful things don’t ask for attention
The visual aspects of this movie captivated me as a kid and continued to impress when I revisited it last night. Under the direction of Guillaume Rocheron, the head of visual effects, the film brilliantly utilizes effects to enhance the naturalistic feel of each scene. Whether depicting Walter Mitty’s wild imaginations or the rugged terrain of the Afghan Himalayas, the visuals are consistently stunning. One scene in particular that struck me was when Walter Mitty chases Sean O’Connell on a skateboard through Iceland. This sequence not only showcases the breathtaking beauty of Iceland but also leaves a lasting impact when it transitions seamlessly into a volcanic eruption, adding a profound sense of drama and realism.
Life is about courage and going into the unknown
'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' offers more than a glimpse into the mind of a daydreamer or the adventures that unfold for its protagonist. At its core, the film carries a profound moral message: Life is meant to be lived, not merely dreamt about. This theme encourages viewers to step beyond the comfort of their imaginations and engage actively with the world around them. It's a call to action, reminding us that real experiences are what truly enrich our lives, a lesson that is meant to resonate deeply with its audience and inspire change in their daily lives.
Negative Assets
Although the plot of 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' is straightforward enough to follow, it occasionally feels overly simplistic. This simplicity can detract from the depth and potential complexity of the story, leaving some scenes feeling somewhat underdeveloped or predictable. For example, certain pivotal moments might benefit from more nuanced storytelling to fully convey their emotional and thematic significance.
Additionally, another minor issue is the fleeting presence of certain characters who appear intriguing but are given limited screen time. A case in point is the helicopter pilot Walter Mitty encounters in Greenland. This character, who could have added a richer layer to the narrative, is quickly sidelined after just a brief squabble and a short-lived moment of companionship. Expanding on these interactions would have provided a deeper exploration of their potential impact on Walter’s journey.
ABC: Adventurous, Brave, Creative
'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' captivated me as a child and continues to hold my appreciation as an adult. The standout visual effects and compelling performances, particularly by Ben Stiller as the imaginative Walter Mitty and Sean Penn as the enigmatic photographer, significantly enhance the film's appeal. Personally, I can relate deeply to Walter Mitty’s tendency to daydream—a trait my peers and parents often attribute to me as well. This connection makes the film’s message about turning dreams into reality especially poignant and instructive for me. Despite its charms, the movie is not without its flaws, which temper my overall enthusiasm slightly.
On the Vigor Scale, I give 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' a score of 75. I warmly recommend it as a family-friendly movie, perfect for a light and enjoyable viewing experience. Its simplicity, combined with an inspiring message about embracing life’s adventures, makes it accessible and enjoyable for viewers of all ages. This isn’t a film to critique harshly but to cherish for its uplifting and visually stunning storytelling, and for teaching us how to live rather than just dream.
“To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.”
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty