Stranger Than Fiction

[ChemicalRomance]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/SSHS/fictionposter.jpg

Release Date: November 10th, 2006
Cast: Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Thompson, Queen Latifah
Director: Marc Foster
Writer: Zach Helm

Stranger Than Fiction - Rating: 7/10http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/smilies/fresh.gifhttp://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif

Somewhere in Chicago, in an apartment with bland off-white walls and a lack of furnishing, sits Karren Eiffel (Emma Thompson) at her typewriter. The author begins crafting her new book, “Death and Taxes”, the story of a man named Harold Crick and his repetitive existence. All would be fine except that Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) is a real person, and the narration of the novel speaks to him in his mind and the actions of the story are really occurring. Harold’s mundane life of toothbrush stroke and footstep counting as an IRS agent becomes a bit turbulent. When the author foreshadows dark conclusions and begins to alter Harold’s job and love-life, Harold attempts to make sense of it all. Think The Purple Rose of Cairo for literature…kind of.

I’d have to outright say that my feelings are somewhat mixed for this film. First take into account my appreciation for actors going against their norm, like a Jim Carrey doing The Truman Show. Will Ferrell, common in Saturday Night Live caricatures that I find hilarious, maintains a certain level of his trademark comedic demeanor but attempts to add a level of dramatic depth. His character is at the heart of Stranger Than Fiction and if he put forth a character that was unsympathetic and unbelievable, the film might have been dead on arrival. Ferrell turns Crick into a realistically desperate man trying to figure things out in the midst of a whirlwind change. Still, some might not see Ferrell’s dramatic acting as a noteworthy despite great relays of emotion through facial expression and body language. Some may just be waiting for him to define diversity, spout quotes about San Diego or drum on a cowbell. Others though, like me, might be pleasantly surprised.

The supporting players are nicely cast, especially Maggie Gyllenhaal as Ana Pascal, a tax evading baker with a heart of gold despite anarchist fantasies. Besides being a breathtaking beauty, Gyllenhaal works befittingly as Ferrell’s counterpart, one he admires from close and afar, and is baffled by beyond words. Their chemistry keeps the film moving even in the most lull moments. Dustin Hoffman is Dr. Jules Hilbert, a literature theorist, obsessive coffee drinker and part time lifeguard. His interactions with Harold attempting to figure out whether his story is a tragedy or a comedy work as some of the most humorous and clever scenes of the film. The comedy is so fittingly deadpan, and by now it’s clear that Hoffman is perfect to play a complete oddball. Emma Thompson, who plays the writer Karren Eiffel, has a role consisting mainly of voiceover. I consider this to be a good thing for I found her scenes of writers block madness and conscience conflict less than believable.

Considering a combination of directing and editing, Stranger Than Fiction becomes a creative little visual piece. Harold’s day to day actions are represented by non-obtrusive visual items, such as a counter for his footsteps to work, or a sketch pad of math work when his coworkers make use of his uncanny multiplication ability. Multiplying two triple digits? Harold’s got your answer in seconds. The visual cues don’t become bothersome but rather serve as a neatly placed ways to breathe life into the film. Zach Helm, writing his first film, constructs a script that is one of the best things about the film but also its greatest weakness. The humor is well paced, and even in moments where I found quips to fall flat there was a creative crack to pick it right back up. Hoffman and Ferrell downplay the deadpan humor in such a way that it’d be very hard for anyone not to at least crack one smile as they exchange appropriately ridiculous dialogue back and forth. Ferrell is concerned with what may happen to him in light of his life being a puppet for an author to control. Hoffman is also concerned about Ferrell’s well being, but more so that a good book comes out of it.

While being charming, innovative and slightly poignant, the script is also source for sporadic but rapid changes in direction for the film. One moment we find ourselves immersed in witty comedy and then suddenly we are propelled uncomfortably into drama and moments of moral debate. I think the changes are so spontaneous that even the characters in the film are caught off guard, attempting to adapt to a story changing lanes several times over. Sometimes I just want to go to the movies to see something out of the ordinary and be uplifted by the story in the process, even at the risk of predictability. I find Stranger Than Fiction to be a film I appreciate for attempting to take a different route on the meaning of life and love amidst misunderstanding.

-Andrew Guarini

[Lazy Boy]

I keep hearing a voice telling me to go see this movie...I can't make it stop, so I just decided to go with the flow and watch it...damn that annoying voiceover.

Marc Forster has made one awful film (Monster's Ball), one boring film (Finding Neverland) and one film I liked despite it's ending (Stay). But, I like this concept, a lot. And, I like how you mention Ferrell downplaying his humor in creating a real person instead of an overbearing dunce.

[ChemicalRomance]

It's been getting generally positive reviews thus far and it seems to be universal that Ferrell puts forth a good performance and a charcter that is very likeable.

I have a feeling you'll enjoy yourself here Mark.

[RandalGraves]

Hopefully I will be able to see this in theaters...if not, its def gonna be a dvd blind buy for sure!

[dman476]

I want to see this, but I may not be able to watch it this weekend.
Saturday is my only free movie-day, and it's between this and the Fountain.
Yeah. Except, it's going to be hard as hell to get tix to the gala of the Foutain, so if I'm shit out of luck, Stranger than Fiction it is. :D

[ChemicalRomance]

Woah woah woah! Where is The Fountain playing!

[Bourne101]

This looks like a very good movie. I like the occasional Dramedy, if you would call it that. Will Farrel is always great, I forgive him for Kicking and Screaming. If this opens in my theatre I will be seeing it within the next two weeks.

[TylerDurden182]

I was really looking forward to Stranger Than Fiction, but after seeing the trailer attached to every single movie I have seen in the theater for the last month, I am pretty sick of it. I will probably wait for DVD.

[dman476]

Originally posted by ChemicalRomance
Woah woah woah! Where is The Fountain playing!
The AFI Festival.
Where I saw Bobby.

And where INLAND EMPIRE (BABY!!!) is playing tonight.
Unfortunately, if you would see the line for tickets (you can only get it 2 hr before screening), you would want to wait until december.
Seriously. I just got back.

[thedudeman69]

Originally posted by dman476
The AFI Festival.
Where I saw Bobby.

And where INLAND EMPIRE (BABY!!!) is playing tonight.
Unfortunately, if you would see the line for tickets (you can only get it 2 hr before screening), you would want to wait until december.
Seriously. I just got back.


Damn, you people in California are lucky bastards.

Also, this film looks good. I mean, the whole concept is original. Also, it's got Frank The Tank in it. ;)

[dman476]

Originally posted by thedudeman69
Damn, you people in California are lucky bastards.
Sorry. :p

But, the New York festival is better. :(
I can't believe that LA, the capital of film, doesn't have a great festival.
Shit, France has a better major festival. How f'ed up is that? ;)

[thedudeman69]

Originally posted by dman476
Sorry. :p

But, the New York festival is better. :(
I can't believe that LA, the capital of film, doesn't have a great festival.
Shit, France has a better major festival. How f'ed up is that? ;)


yeah, that is majored f'ed up. Even Georgia, home of the rednecks doesn't have a festival.

[bigd23]

I think I'll wait for dvd. I too am also tired of seeing the trailer attached to every movie in the theater.

[ZenDude]

I'll be there for this one. Trailers dont make me tired of a movie.

[dman476]

Originally posted by thedudeman69
yeah, that is majored f'ed up. Even Georgia, home of the rednecks doesn't have a festival.
Home of the rednecks or not, mind you it is still part of America.

[Shockwave]

I have high hopes for this.

Im hoping for a serious/funny movie that really shows off alot of range like Jim Carrey did with THE TRUMAN SHOW, or Sandler with PUNCH DRUNK LOVE.

[JCPhoenix]

The only great thing about Toronto filmwise is its festival...we got The Fountain two months ago along with Pan's Labyrinth, Borat, Wind That Shakes the Barley, Stranger Than Fiction, Babel, Volver, Rescue Dawn, Breaking and Entering, Bobby, and tons more...

Unfortunately I didn't make it out to any of those :( but my roommate did...but yeah, personally I think Toronto has the best film festival in the world for general audiences (since Cannes is open to only journalists I believe), I just wish we had a better film industry in general.

But yeah, Stranger Than Fiction looks great. Though I'm actually more excited to see Zach Helm's next film (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium - best title ever), but Stranger Than Fiction just has an ingenious premise.

Gonna see it Friday...

[powersauce]

Originally posted by Shockwave
I have high hopes for this.

Im hoping for a serious/funny movie that really shows off alot of range like Jim Carrey did with THE TRUMAN SHOW, or Sandler with PUNCH DRUNK LOVE.

Same here. I'll either see it Friday after work or Saturday morning/afternoon on my day off.

[ilovemovies]

I can't wait to see this. It looks so awesome.

[DaMovieMan]

Originally posted by dman476
Sorry. :p

But, the New York festival is better. :(


That's where I luckily caught Inland Empire (10/10) :p
Shit I was meant to write a review for that one, over the weekend I hope...

As for Stranger Than Fiction,
the buzz I hear is good, ChemicalRomance writes great reviews and this one's no exception (we seem to agree with a lot of recent movies I noticed as well), Dustin Hoffman is one of my favorite "greats", but even after all of this I don't see myself going to the cinema to watch this...I don't know, not enough drawing me toward it, Borat is number one on my list, I'd like to check out The Prestige as well, and the next 6 weeks are going to be hectic with chosing what to see...The Fountain will rule though, no doubt :D

DMM

[Shockwave]

..i cant beleive i seem to be one of the only ones here to have seen this already?

:confused:

[dalomini]

I'm not trying to steal your thunder, Chemical, this is just my first review so I'm testing the waters with this one.

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
http://www.popmatters.com/images/news_art/m/movie-stranger-1-mct1.jpg
Directed by: Marc Forester
Written by: Zach Helm

This is my first review, so bear with me, I just wanted to try out the ol' writing skills.

I’m sure most know this, but for those of you that don’t, heed this warning: if you’re expecting a flat out comedy with people streaking, being set on fire or what have you, then you should probably skip this one. This is an emotionally gripping story that manages to finds humor in the most solemn of moments, and is a breath of fresh air for the movie industry, which has now largely become contingent on dirty jokes and shock value.

Despite seeing the trailer around 800 times in other movies, on TV, and online, my anticipation to see Will Ferrell try to break through a la Jim Carrey in “The Truman Show” never wavered. Ferrell plays Harold Crick, an IRS agent who fills the gaps of his empty life with numbers. He counts his toothbrush strokes, the number of steps it takes to get to work, even the seconds it takes for him to tie his necktie. As you’d imagine, he’s a pretty big dork and really has no friends or romances to speak of. Then one day, as he’s brushing his teeth, he hears a woman’s voice narrating his actions and thoughts. Pretty weird stuff, eh? What’s more, one day while waiting for the bus to come he hears “little did he know that events had been set in motion that would lead to his imminent death.” Turns out, Harold is a character in the new book by acclaimed, but recently troubled, author Karen Eiffel (Emma Thompson). Now, Harold must figure out how he’s going to die and if he can stop it. To do that, he seeks help from wacky literary professor Professor Hilbert (Dustin Hoffman).

First, I must comment on the screenplay. Like Charlie Kaufman before him, debut screenwriter Zach Helm has written himself a fantastically unique first film. The script is one of the most imaginative in years, probably since Kaufman’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He creates the perfect “dramedy,” weaving in and out of dark and humorous moments brilliantly, and even having the perfect touch to inject humor into some of the films grittiest scenes. What I found even more impressive was that he didn’t bother explaining “why” this was all happening, and he just expected the audience to go with it. In fables such as this, that is a liberty that is seldom taken, but ultimately very rewarding. Helm doesn’t bother adding in extra fluff trying to justify what’s happening. Of course, in taking this risk you must be able to make the angle work, which he does with flying colors. Director Marc Forster uses this excellent blueprint and makes sure that it doesn’t seem too convoluted or unrealistic, creating a perfect environment for a story like this to take place in
Hopefully we see more zany flicks coming from this guys typewriter in the near future.

As far as the performances go, I was completely blown away by Will Ferrell’s laid back, subdued performance. He doesn’t resort to his usual hilarity or “wink-wink” wit to get the audience on his side. He approaches this role with the utmost respect and creates a meek, “aw shucks” kind of character that we all fall in love with and root for instantly. Dustin Hoffman is his usual outstanding self, given the bulk of the comedic moments in the film and delivering a very deadpan performance that made his coffee-wired character all the more funny. Towards the end of the movie, I found myself laughing at the tiniest of things Hoffman did, like him not wearing shoes in a scene or reading a book covered in cellophane paper by the pool. Emma Thompson does an excellent job as the reclusive writer (and Harold’s narrator) whose books are dependent on the hero dying in the end. She’s not in the film much, but she does a great job with what’s needed of her, and that’s dealing with the decision of whether to finish her book and, in effect, kill nice-guy and REAL Harold or risk reducing her first book in 10 years to mediocrity and save this man’s life. Maggie Gyllenhaal does a nice job as Harold’s love interest, a rebellious baker whom Harold meets when auditing her for not paying 22% of her taxes. Her cute role in this film helps to make Harold all the more sympathetic, which helps to build tension in the grand scheme of the movie. Queen Latifah, I feel, was just unnecessary, and there was no need for her or her character to be in this movie. In fact, I think that Latifah was more of a distraction than anything else since all her character does is stand around and make stupid wisecracks about how great she is at her job of assisting struggling writers.

The films themes dabble in responsibility and predestination. If we are shown our path prior to it happening, do we have the right to change God’s designed course on it? Does Harold really have the right to try and change his own fate if it’s already been set by Eiffel? The final half hour of the film is a tug of war of emotions that show you just about every characters perspective and justifies each of them as brilliantly, and more importantly, realistically as possible. A scene towards the end, when Prof. Hilbert has read Eiffel’s finished work and tells a waiting Harold whether he needs to die or not for the book to work, or if there’s a way out of it, is truly gutwrenching in the way Helm makes it one of the most humorous scenes in the movie while Ferrell is acting his ass off and being as serious as can be. That Helm makes Harold an extremely likable and good-hearted man, despite his goofiness, and really wanting to help satisfy others needs makes it as heartbreaking as it is entertaining, and that mix of emotions personifies the whole movie. While the ending doesn’t hit home as much as I would have liked, I feel like the lesson is ultimately learned, the point is still made and that’s what’s most important. What a wonderful movie, hopefully at least the script will be garnering some attention come Oscar season. I give this an 8/10 on the ol’ Marty-meter (I’ll try not to use that term again…that’s a pretty lame one).

[cuckoo2]

I saw it. I agree with the critics when they said it was a lot like truman show and adaptation, but I loved both of those movies so I also loved this one. Zach Helm deserves to get a original screenplay nom for sure.

9/10

[Alkemist]

I saw it today at 4:45. I liked it overall. Good script, good title, and above all else, great acting. Especially from Ferrell, it was fresh to see him take on a more serious persona this film. Maggie Gyllenhaal does well also. The ending is what got me the most. Not the way it ended, but the tension that builds up, it definately kept me on edge.

9/10

[chinton]

Very good I really enjoyed it. Goo script, funny, touching and very well done.

The thing that really brought it up a notch was the great relationship between Gyllenhal's characters and Ferrle's character. That was handled extremely well.

8/10

[dman476]

Originally posted by chinton
The thing that really brought it up a notch was the great relationship between Gyllenhal's characters and Ferrle's character. That was handled extremely well.
Definitely agreed. :)

[ChemicalRomance]

Something I loved:

When Ferrell navigates the guitar store and walks past the flower covered acoustics the narrator says: "This means I can't play."

Then, when Ferrell goes to Gyllenhaal's apartment and sees the acoustic guitar she says "Oh I can't play."

I smiled :)

[dman476]

Yeah, that part was really cool.

My friend didn't catch that part, but I did. Haha, I feel superior.

[dalomini]

Great catch. I'm also happy that Helm or Forster didn't make an effort to point it out to the audience for all the people who didn't notice it to notice, otherwise it would've lost its value.

[Shockwave]

Haha, i just realized in never posted my score on this. 9/10.

Im glad that i wasnt the only shmoe to go see this, Its without-a-doubt in my top 10 for the year.:cool:

[Lazy Boy]

7/10

Yep, a complete charmer and it doesn't try to present itself as wittier than it seems.

My favorite line: "Are you king of the trolls?"

[dman476]

Originally posted by Lazy Boy
7/10

Yep, a complete charmer and it doesn't try to present itself as wittier than it seems.

My favorite line: "Are you king of the trolls?"
Or: "Do you have any super powers?" :D

[MadsenOMC]

SPOILERS!



I wasn't too impressed with this. It's fairly obvious, I wasn't close to being convinced that Anna would fall for Harold, and I really hated the ending. I laughed a few times, but overall I was not engaged with it and I left feeling highly disappointed.

5/10

[ilovemovies]

It's enjoyable and engaging and very entertaining. Yet I was still kinda letdown by it. I guess my expectations were too high. I was expecting a great movie but it's just merely good. It's been compared to Adaptation and The Truman Show but this movie isn't nearly as great, especially to The Truman Show.

It is very at times though and I absolutely adored Maggie Gyllenhaal here. And Will Farrell is very good as is Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman, who is pretty much playing a less zanier version of his character from I Heart Huckabees.

And despite that her character was COMPLETELY unneccessary, I also really enjoyed Queen Latifah's work here. She has some good scenes with Thompson.


A 7/10 for me. Not great, but light and very enjoyable nonetheless.

[JCPhoenix]

A 7/10 from me as well. Saw it Saturday but and while it was pretty good all around, it just never became great for me...also, it felt like the movie dragged a bit here and there and the movie felt dangerously close to being a one-trick pony (the whole movie being geared to be almost all about him trying to stop his death)...

Still an entertaining movie overall and Ferrell was excellent. I was more looking forward to Zach Helm's next film/debut film directing-wise anyway (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium) so...

[cletus66]

I was impressed with Will Ferrell's performance in Stranger Than Fiction. I think it was probably his best to date. The other members of the cast gave fine performances but I do think that Queen Latifah character was unessecary and the movie would not have suffered without her.

I thought that Stranger Than Fiction did a great job of blending comedy and drama and I was glad that Ferrell was more subdued performance rather thn go the rute he usually does. It was a good departure for him and a film he can be proud of.


8.5/10

[Strider]

Stranger than Fiction - 8/10 or ****/***** stars

Stranger than Fiction, the latest film from Monster's Ball and Finding Neverland director Marc Forster, plays out like a true dramedy, featuring elements of a comedy and a drama, and it's the drama that work best here. Will Ferrell handles the comedy with ease, but in his dramatic scenes, he not only pulls it off convincingly, he shines and finally sheds the over-the-top persona seen in films like Anchorman and, most recently, Talladega Nights, as well as his eleven-year-long stint on Saturday Night Live. Despite having the lead role and the most screen time, Ferrell is accompanied by a terrific supporting cast, all of whom deliver great performances, including Maggie Gyllenhaal as a charming, yet intimidating, and rebellious baker, Dustin Hoffman as a quirky literature professor, and the wonderful Emma Thompson as a famous, suicidal writer suffering from what seems to be an incurable case of writer's block. The ending may leave audiences conflicted, as it left me originally. I questioned myself if it was a cop-out or a rather fitting conclusion, but after considering the consequence it has for one of the characters, and how it strengthens the film's primary theme, I deem the ending as the latter. In his screenwriting debut, Zach Helm has crafted a screenplay that is witty, strange, thought-provoking, and occasionally touching. Stranger than Fiction is quite an enjoyable experience from start to finish - a "feel good movie," undoubtedly.

Strider

[jolanar]

Very blah.

5/10

[bigred760]

The thing that was cool about this movie was the concept itself. It made for an interesting and comical watch, following Will Ferrell as he goes through life hearing a narrator talk about him and his life. It was a fun watch what with it's original premise, interesting characters, and the banter between them - especially whenever Dustin Hoffman was around. While the movie wasn't entirely a comedy, the dramatic situations involved were quite good as well. It's a fun movie to watch, and I like the fact that Will Ferrell isn't stuck doing raunchy comedies all the time.

7/10

[Bourne101]

Entertaining, funny and well acted. Will Farrel is great as well as Emma Thompson and the rest of the cast. I recommend this one for sure.

9/10

[Darkened_Lily]

I actually saw it last weekend and I really thought it was good. It was the first movie I've seen Will Farrel in that made me laugh and cry. Well I didn't actually cry but I'm guessing you catch my drift. He actually cries in the movie and I think he did a really good serious performance.

The beginning was somewhat confusing but the literary meaning behind the whole movie really brought it together.

It's one of those movies where the guy gets the girl.

...that's about all I have to say.

[Catherine]

Originally posted by MadsenOMC
SPOILERS!



I wasn't too impressed with this. It's fairly obvious, I wasn't close to being convinced that Anna would fall for Harold, and I really hated the ending. I laughed a few times, but overall I was not engaged with it and I left feeling highly disappointed.

5/10

This would be about my rating for this film,too. There was some good acting (Emma Thompson is always good), but the story just didn't work for me. Although there were one or two funny lines, overall I found it quite boring.