DC isn't really known as a film town, but sometimes we're treated to a preview of a yet-to-be-released movie. Last night, that film was the Secret Life of Walter Mitty, directed by and starring Ben Stiller. This film is actually a remake of a 1947 film starring Danny Kaye, which is based on a short story by James Thurber. (Apparently, it was pretty well-known half a century ago because when I asked my dad if he had ever heard of Walter Mitty, he laughed at me. Um, duh, he said.)
Anyway, the film tells the story of a "negative assets" director at Life Magazine. The job-title itself hits home Walter's unimpressive position at the company. Things are about to get worse for Walter, as the magazine has just been acquired and would be immediately downsizing under the direction of a snarky and snide executive, played by Adam Scott. He is charged with producing the final cover photo for the magazine, which proves to be more of a challenge than one might anticipate.
To make matters even more unpleasant for Walter, he has become enamored of his co-worker Cheryl Milhoff, played by Kristen Wiig, and is desperately trying to overcome his shy nature to work up the courage to give her a wink. He is also trying to help his mother move into a retirement home, while battling incessant and disruptive daydreams that remove him from the present into much more exciting circumstances.
This film was met with mixed reviews from my fellow cinema-goers. It can move very slowly, as it is short on dialogue and long on pauses, silences, and beautiful moments.
However, the soundtrack is inspired and combined with the brilliant cinematography which captures the stark beauty of Greenland and Iceland, will transport you into your own daydreams.
If you're looking to escape from the doldrums of your own monotony, the Secret Life of Walter Mitty will entertain and envelop you.
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