I often like to do a bit of research before I go and see a new movie. In the case of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty I watched the 1947 version of the film. Well it is quite different from the 2013 release and both vary a lot from the 1939 short story. All three incarnations are centered on a mild-mannered guy who escapes reality with elaborate daydreams. The new release has Ben Stiller, who also directed the film, starring as Mitty. When he misplaces an important photo, he turns his daydreams into reality as he crosses the globe looking for the photographer, played by Sean Penn. Kristen Wiig also stars as Mitty’s love interest.
Stiller, the occasional director, presents one of the most visually impressive films of the year capturing the vast locales presented on the character’s journey. In addition, the daydreams are complimented well with visual effects that bring to mind epic sci-fi projects. Stiller’s directorial style in the film fits the character he plays as each scene takes its time to establish relevance. In the vast majority of cases, those scenes deliver. In terms of his acting, Stiller gives a rewarding performance that has subtle humor alluding to his over the top legacy as a comedic a-lister while staying true to the quiet Mitty.
As a story that has a tumultuous history filled with failed attempts of getting made, Stiller makes the concept look easy. The daydreams carry the story in the first half, but the focus is always on Mitty and that internal struggle of comfort versus adventure. It’s such a relatable premise that the audience establishes a quick likening with the character. Even though the marketing pushes the daydreaming elements heavily, the story is more about realizing those dreams in actuality. That is a theme shared with the 1947 effort. So at the end of the day, the two movies aren’t that different after all.
Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.
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