Comedy and Tragedy

Rating: 10/10 (18 November 2006)

One of the many ironies of this film is that the characters are concerned about the difference between comedy and tragedy, while the movie's plot seems to have a perfect balance of the two genres! It is at times hilarious and at others poignant, thrilling, and even heartbreaking. It begins with an unseen narrator narrating the dull daily routine of Harold Crick(Will Ferrell), but that changes when Harold begins to hear the voice, but no one else can. He tries to ignore it, until it makes a fatal prediction for him, at which point he frantically searches for help, first from psychiatrists, then a quirky literature professor(Dustin Hoffman). We aren't introduced to the narrator, Kay Eiffel(Emma Thompson), an author with a case of witers block and a smoking habit, until later. There are two characters thrown in at seemingly random places whose significance can't be understood until later.
Through a sequence of events set into effect by the voice, Harold begins to change his monotonous life, from learning to play the guitar to falling in love with a rebellious baker(Maggie Gyllenhaal) he was sent to audit. Just as this is unfolding, he-and the audience-are faced with an unthinkable, painfully ironic possibility. Will he be able to stop the author from ending the life he has just begun to live?
The performances are excellent. Who would have guessed Will Ferrell could pull something like this off? And he does it without one stupid joke or outrageous moment! You sympathize with his character and root for him, even in the parts when you're laughing at him. Proves he should make his way into drama. Emma Thompson is brilliant as the complicated author- could even get an Oscar nom. Dustin Hoffman , like Ferrell, doesn't overplay his character, who is still funny, but ends up being a serious driving force. Maggie Gyllenhaal has a lot to add as the sweet-and sassy baker, and ends up rising above love interest status. Queen Latifah has an unusually small role as Kays assistant who has her moments.
This is script be Zach Helm, A first time screenwriter. You can tell how good the screenplay was from the strength of the story, which never gets fluffy or boring for a moment, and feels realistic despite it's fantasy elements. Helm deserves every bit of his publicity, i see great things ahead for him.People should stop comparing him to other screenwriters, he's got a voice all his own. Directed by Marc Forester, this is just as good as his Finding Neverland.
All in all, this is a funny, touching film that with a great message keeps you interested and stays on your mind long after you leave the theater. It might not be the box-office draw of the week(there were only about 10 people in the theater with me!), but I would strongly recommend it to anyone. A 10/10.