Stranger Than Fiction (dir. Marc Forster, 2006) – When Harold Crick hears a voice narrating his life in his head, he is determined to find who the author is, to prevent his potential death.
Verdict
While reminiscent of Adaptation., Stranger than Fiction holds its own as an inspirational dramedy, full of warmth and enchantment.
Review
There are two things in life for certain: death and taxes. No one knows this better than Harold Crick (Will Ferrell). The skilled auditor goes about his ordinary routine of his numbers trade, until the day that an author’s voice in his head foretells his imminent death.
This pitch may seem like Charlie Kaufman’s territory, but writer Zach Helm’s enchanting meta-fiction has its own charm. Taking a light approach akin to The Truman Show, Stranger than Fiction still draws upon thoughtful philosophy, as its leading man grapples with his new understanding of reality.
Set to find the author of his life and stop his death, Harold starts off by taking the advice of Professor Hilbert (Dustin Hoffman). In determining if he is living a tragedy or comedy, the answer wavers back and forth. The same can be said for the film itself, its natural transition due to the fantastic match of Marc Foster’s direction to Helm’s screenplay.
It is chance that then leads Harold to neurotic depressive author Kay Eiffel (Emma Thompson). She is shaken to see her manuscript’s character in the real world, having spent weeks trying to kill him off on paper. While she has made a celebrated career out of tragedies for her protagonists, she soon discovers that the poetry of literary death simply cannot be replicated in reality.
Positing our daily lives and relationships as something dictated by predestination, the idea sounds unpalatable. But it is not quite so inconceivable. Grounded in our reality, the moral fable questions the existence of freewill, captivating us with its meditation on the value and elusive meaning of life.
Cleverly written and highly original, the drama never gets too pensive. It does not obsess with the big existential questions, nor does it ever ooze cloying sentimentality. Rather, we acquaint with a relatable everyday man, who has sunken into the comfort of a familiar dreary routine – work, sleep, repeat. That is until the proximity of death drives him to take back control of his life.
Through this, Will Ferrell showcases his dramatic talent above his perfect comedic timing. There is credibility in every turn of emotion, from his initial anxiety to his newfound freedom. His warmest moments lie in his relationship with the spirited baker Ana Pascal (Maggie Gyllenhaal), both endearing and genuine.
Imbued with heart and wit, Stranger than Fiction is an uplifting pursuit of ordinary forgotten dreams. It reminds us of our inevitable end, such that we may be spurred to live how we have always wanted. But why wait for that spark? As Professor Hilbert utters, “You will die, you will absolutely die.” And if there is no greater truth than that, then there is no excuse not to live just for today.
Hmmmm….maybe I should give Will Ferrell a chance. This one sounds like he is good in it.
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For sure! Will Ferrell’s usual goofiness is minimal in this, and it’s worth a watch just for Zach Helm’s wonderful writing. Thanks much for reading! 🙂
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Will put it down on my List.
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Oh yes. Great review. This is a brilliant under-rated gem and has fallen down the cracks of Ferrell’s CV which is full of great and not-so-great loud-mouthed comedies. He was also very good in the more downbeat Everything Must Go (2010).
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Thank you, Paul! 😊 And I totally agree, this is one of Will Ferrell’s more understated films that deserve to be seen by more. As for Everything Must Go, I’ll have to check it out!
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Yes, it’s pretty good. While Ferrell is hilarious with his comedy mugging he does deadpan and downbeat very well too.
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Will Ferrell is hit or miss for me, but this film is a home run. I loved it. Nice review!
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Same here, couldn’t have put it better myself. Thank you, Kevin! 😊
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Fantastic review as always 😊 I have heard of this film, but I ignored it because I am just not a huge fan of Will Ferell. After reading this though, I think I am going to give this one a try. The story sounds very intriguing, and I trust your judgement on it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts for this one 😀
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Thank you, Michel! Definitely do, I think this below-the-radar dramedy is his best work to date. Hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did! 😀
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Excellent review, Jade. I don’t like too many Will Ferrell flicks (he’s sometimes just a bit to loud), but I really liked this one (and he plays it about as subtle as he can). A really good flick.
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Thanks much, J! 😊 Haha yes, his comedies can get too juvenile or crude for my liking. But I do love this, and Anchorman!
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Anchorman is pretty great, too.
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Your review is also enchanting Jade. It makes me want to watch it very soon. I find Will Ferrell a ‘hit and miss’ with his performances. I think when the humour is subtle it’s funnier with him and I did like him in Anchorman and Step Brothers. This seems like a unique approach and one that obviously worked in your opinion and I have a feeling I’d enjoy it too. It’s certainly got an interesting story. Great review once again. ☺
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Thanks much, Sonea! And I agree, subtle humour works best for me too. There are few films as inventive as this, hope you’ll like it! 😊
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I think I watched this last year and loved it, now I want to watch it again haha! Lovely review, Jade 🙂
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Thank you, Daniel! 😀 Perhaps you’ll like it more the second time round. I did!
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I’d be impressed if I loved it more the second time haha!
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May be a tad bit pretentious. But it still works. Nice review.
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Thank you, Dan! 😄
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Thanks for the reminder about how good this film is. I haven’t seen it in years but you’ve inspired me to watch it again this weekend.
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Enjoy the re-watch, and cheers for dropping by! 😀
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