Do you sometimes wish you had a different life? Do you imagine being more confident? Do you dream of going to far away countries on epic adventures? The ‘Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ captures all this and more.
This film didn’t win awards and was slow to gain popularity amongst the public, but it is one of my favourites. Our protagonist, Walter, has a tedious desk job in a corporate building immersed in a concrete jungle. He gets lost in his imagination and daydreams into a world in which he is a well-loved work colleague, heroic, self-assured, and of course, gets the girl.
Unfortunately, these are nothing but fantasies of Walter’s until the opportunity arises for him to go on the adventure of a lifetime. Walter ends up jumping out of a helicopter into shark-infested waters, outrunning a volcanic eruption and bargaining Clementine cake with Afghanistan warlords. He shows us that facing our fears and ultimately, living out our daydreams, is what living a full life looks like.
From a different perspective the film demonstrates the ‘out with the old, in with the new’ lifestyle of our society and the total domination of technology. You’ll simply have to watch the film and find out where I got that theme from!
With creative imagery and screenplay, this artistic film transports us from the organised chaos that is New York City to the icy heights of the Himalayas. The cinematography is unparalleled with critics claiming that each shot is like a perfect photograph. It is combined with a classic Indie rock soundtrack that gives the viewer a sense of wanderlust typically associated with this genre. Ben Stiller’s comedic acting is supported by Kristen Wiig’s optimistic character; inspiring critics to compare this film to the classic, Forrest Gump.
There are hidden metaphors, themes and messages all throughout this movie. This film makes you think, re-evaluate your life priorities and is that not the mark of a movie worth watching? Perhaps while we stay inside in these trying times, we could watch The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and discuss it with our loved ones. After all, there is plenty to learn from it.
