Excellent, very funny; a living "still-life"

Rating: 7/10 (24 February 2007)

This movie was absolutely phenomenal. Very original. It reminded a little of "Being John Malkovich" with a bit less randomness. I loved the way this film was shot - lots of straight angles, appropriate close-ups, good lighting. I liked how everything looked very clean and picturesque. All players performed admirably - great casting (although Emma Thompson seems to be playing to her typecasting in this one - but she's great nonetheless). I really liked Maggie Gyllenhaal - she's very cute and her voice is really sexy ... oh yeah, and she played her part very believably and naturally. Also, this was really one of Will Ferrel's best roles. I liked how he was much more subtle and subdued in this pic; He under-played Crick nicely, and his simple, blunt speech was well-delivered. This was a nice change of tone from his other roles and indicates a notable progression in the development of his craft as an actor (reminds me of when Robin Williams and Jim Carey began taking on more serious roles).
My main point: It occurred to me near the end that the whole movie seemed like a living, moving still-life painting. There were many shots that looked like they could have been a painting - a slice of real life. Just as I formed that idea, there was a shot with Will Ferrel's character in his kitchen picking up a green apple from a bowl full of them. This really exemplified what I'm talking about here.
Of course, the film has a good message as well. if somewhat clichéd - to live life fully and with passion and you don't know what you're capable of until you try new things and take on new perspectives with openness and deep consideration. Wouldn't it be funny if we all tried walking around for a day with a notepad tracking how many moments of delight and how many sad moments we had? It certainly would make you re-evaluate the way live and react to the life unfolding around you.