9/10 - I really really really really liked this movie (a disproportionate amount)
Extroverted characters are therefore, the norm. They are the people we expect to see in movies, and to a certain extent, idolize for their ability to be comfortable in those situations.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is about the opposite: someone who is deeply introverted. A concept which I love.
There are many critics who disliked this movie, and I will admit it has some faults. There is a jump in tone from the type of comedy in certain parts to the thoughtful reflection in other parts. It also draws people into the mystery element that makes the audience start trying to "solve" the ending instead of enjoying the film. I'm guilty of doing that myself. Many critics also disliked the concept of the film, a shy man jumping into fantastical experiences, but I could not disagree more.
To me, this is a beautifully shot thoughtful piece, but as an audience member you need to be along for the ride. Much of this movie involves the inner workings of Walter Mitty's head, something I expect a lot of naturally extroverted people will not appreciate as much. The quiet moments of this movie are so saturated with emotion that I never once was bored, and immediately wanted to watch the film again.
Ben Stiller is most noteworthy for me, not as the title character, but as the film's director. Again, this is a beautiful film. The mundane existence of Walter at the film's opening is encapsulated perfectly as he sits in his quiet bleak apartment, balancing his checkbook. The stunning images at the Life magazine offices, frame a movie that depicts an urban city with wonderment. The evolution of the images are powerful and uplifting. Stuart Dryburgh the Director of Photography deserves more awards than I could possibly name.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty captures something that isn't as simple as the day-dreamer gets to live his dreams. The inherent relatability in Walter's character is that he has accepted the responsibilities of adult life with fantasy being the only reprieve. We are often unaware of the simple things that make us the most happy, the small conversations, friendships, left behind passions.
What resonated most with me was the fact that once Walter decided to go on this journey, he was unaware of the impact it would have. Despite the surreal nature of visiting paradise, Walter's brain functioned as it always functioned, he had a job to do and went about doing it. In that lies a tremendous truth, that even during awe-struck moments we are all still people living our day to day lives. It's difficult to appreciate the grand nature of the things we experience in life without a little phone call to reflect every now and again on our "been there done that" sections.
I really enjoyed The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, but I don't expect everyone to. Part of this movies appeal comes from it's opposing nature to most action/adventure movies being released. This kind of story is almost the antithesis of Gravity being that they are both about spectacular, extraordinary events happening, but in this, the explosion isn't the most important part of the scene. I suspect this film ultimately became a passion project for some people, because it goes against what a blockbuster adventure movie typically does, but the passion it had stayed with me.
IMDb - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (7.7)
Wikipedia - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Rotten Tomatoes - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (50%)
Amazon.ca - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
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