“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" Movie Review
Escape into a World of Imagination: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that celebrates the transformative power of dreams and the courage to pursue them.
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is a charming and heartwarming movie that tells the story of a man who dreams of a life beyond his mundane routine. Directed by Ben Stiller and starring Stiller himself in the lead role, the film is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation of James Thurber’s classic short story.
Stiller plays Walter Mitty, a mild-mannered photo editor for Life Magazine who spends most of his days lost in his own imagination. As the magazine undergoes a major transition to a digital format, Walter is tasked with finding the missing negative for the final print issue’s cover photo, which sends him on a global adventure.
Cinematography & Metaphors
The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning landscapes and vibrant colours that transport the audience to some of the world’s most beautiful locations.
One of the most striking features of the movie’s cinematography is the use of color, particularly the contrast between blue and red. Blue is often used to represent the mundane and routine aspects of Walter’s life, such as his job at Life Magazine and his daily routine. In contrast, red is used to represent the more exciting and adventurous aspects of Walter’s life, such as his daydreams and his travels around the world. The contrast between blue and red serves to highlight the tension between Walter’s desire for adventure and his fear of leaving his comfort zone.
In addition to the use of colour, the film also employs several metaphors to convey its themes and messages. For example, the missing negative that Walter is searching for can be seen as a metaphor for his own search for purpose and meaning in his life. The negative represents the missing piece that Walter needs to complete the final issue of Life Magazine, but it also represents the missing piece in Walter’s own life that he needs to find in order to achieve fulfilment.
Soundtrack
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” features an eclectic and memorable soundtrack that blends together indie rock, folk, and world music. The music was composed and curated by Theodore Shapiro, with additional contributions from artists such as Jose Gonzalez, Of Monsters and Men, and David Bowie.
Here is a list of some of the songs featured in the film, along with a brief analysis of how they are used:
- “Step Out” by Jose Gonzalez — This upbeat and catchy song plays during the movie’s opening credits, setting a tone of optimism and adventure that sets the stage for Walter’s journey.
- “Dirty Paws” by Of Monsters and Men — This haunting and beautiful song is used during one of the movie’s most memorable scenes, as Walter skateboards down a winding road in Iceland.
- “Stay Alive” by Jose Gonzalez — This emotional and poignant song plays during a key moment in the film, as Walter reflects on his life and realizes that he needs to make changes to find happiness
- “Space Oddity” by David Bowie — This classic song is used during the film’s climactic scene, as Walter finally confronts his fears and takes a leap of faith.
The music in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is used to great effect throughout the film, helping to set the mood and enhance the emotional impact of the story. The eclectic mix of genres and artists gives the movie a sense of diversity and cultural richness that mirrors Walter’s own journey of self-discovery and exploration. The songs are expertly chosen and placed, and they add a layer of depth and meaning to the film that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. Overall, the music in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is a standout aspect of the movie, and it’s a soundtrack that is sure to stick with viewers long after the credits have rolled.
Cast & Performances
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” boasts a talented cast of actors and actresses who deliver standout performances that bring the film’s characters to life. From Ben Stiller’s nuanced portrayal of the titular character to Kristen Wiig’s touching performance as Walter’s love interest, each member of the ensemble cast brings a unique energy and authenticity to their roles.
Ben Stiller, who also directed the film, delivers a career-best performance as Walter Mitty. Stiller brings a depth and vulnerability to the character that is both relatable and endearing, and he expertly balances the film’s comedic and dramatic elements. He conveys Walter’s sense of longing and dissatisfaction with his life in a way that is both understated and poignant, making his character’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth all the more impactful.
Kristen Wiig is equally impressive in her role as Cheryl Melhoff, the woman who captures Walter’s heart. Wiig brings a warmth and sincerity to the character that makes her feel like a real person, and her chemistry with Stiller is palpable. She expertly balances Cheryl’s practicality and intelligence with her sense of humor and compassion, creating a character who is both likable and complex.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Adam Scott as the smarmy and ambitious Ted Hendricks, Kathryn Hahn as Walter’s quirky and supportive sister, and Sean Penn as the enigmatic and adventurous photographer Sean O’Connell. Each actor brings a unique energy and personality to their roles, creating a rich and diverse world that feels both familiar and fantastical.
Quotes
To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, to draw closer, to find each other and to feel. That is the purpose of life.
Beautiful things don’t ask for attention.— Sean O’Connell
Life is about courage and going into the unknown.— Cheryl Melhoff
Overall, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is a beautifully crafted film that celebrates the human spirit and encourages us all to embrace our inner adventurer. Its message of hope, perseverance, and self-discovery is both inspiring and uplifting, and it’s a movie that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.
