Wow. Director Stephen Daldry has become a modern classic. His work might not appeal to mass audiences, but his movies cover such unique human stories that it is hard for me not to love each of them (Billy Elliott, The Reader, The Hours). Every detail in each film is of the highest quality, especially the acting. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is just the latest of what is sure to continue to be an outstanding career.
Based on the popular book by Jonathan Safran Foer, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is the story of young Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn), a very intelligent though blunt and awkward child dealing with the death of his father (Tom Hanks) at the World Trade Center. Struggling with grief, Oskar tries to keep the connection between his father and himself alive by beginning a quest; he finds a key in his father’s closet and believes that whatever lock it fits into will reveal a secret from his father. He travels across the entire city to find a clue and meets dozens of new people along the way. He finds that he is incapable of telling his mother (Sandra Bullock) and his grandmother (Zoe Caldwell) about his expedition, but he finds comfort in sharing his adventure with the aging, mute man (Max von Sydow) that is renting a room from his grandmother.
There are two things about the film that will keep some audiences from enjoying it. First, some people will find the subject uncomfortable and maybe even disturbing. There are multiple references and images of people falling from the two towers, including the opening images. The horror of the situation seen through this child’s eyes is absolutely heartbreaking. I admit to crying throughout the whole movie, but I am a bit of a softie when kids are involved. Second, the story is told from an awkward child’s perspective. The narration and dialogue sound like the way children speak, rapid and random.
Thomas Horn is just fantastic. His acting is phenomenally good for such a young age. He had me fully engrossed throughout the entire film. If Jamie Bell’s career following his starring role in Billy Elliott is any indication, it is clear that Daldry has an eye for young, future talent.
I did not feel that Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close was only a 9/11 movie; it is about grief and realizing that everybody hurts, even if we, like Oskar, don’t see it immediately because we are so focused on our own problems. Oskar does not see the national tragedy or the pain all around; he only sees the loss of his father. Once grief is overcome, we can begin to reconnect.
Rating for Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close: A
For more information on this film or to view its trailer, click here.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close will still be in the majority of theaters in Columbus this week, including all of the largest ones plus Gateway and the Movie Tavern at Mill Run. For showtimes, click here.
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