Nothing Strange, Completely Familiar

Rating: 10/10 (27 November 2006)

Stranger than Fiction The comparisons are flying around the net and papers to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind but let it be known that Marc Foster's Stranger than Fiction is a remarkable cinematic achievement in its own. It does have that Charlie Kaufman-like feel to it but captures the heart at a vulnerable point in its rising action. The film tells the story of Harold Crick, a thirty-something IRS agent that lives his life one second to the next. From brush strokes to calculating equations, Harold's life has become a very secluded one. Meanwhile, Kay Eiffel is a successful author that hasn't published a book in ten years and is in a serious case of writer's block. Along with her assistant, Penny the two search for inspiration to complete Kay's latest work which ironically is telling Harold's current life. At first it's just talking about things that he is doing, which keeps Harold inside the realm of Kay's narration. But when Kay mentions Harold's "inevitable death" Harold's transformation and search begins.
This film is by far the best performance this viewer has seen Will Ferrell. As awkward as he is touching, Ferrell elevates the material and does a transformation that comedians like Jim Carrey have had trouble doing for some time. His Harold is completely alive to the audience and touches the most personal parts of the soul. Not since tales such as Cinderella Man, Million Dollar Baby, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind have I cared so dearly about a character. If justice were to be served Ferrell would be a serious contender to such a weak category called Best Actor but in all seriousness, is the Academy ready to have him come to the Oscars? Maybe, he is a voter now and the season is just beginning.
Emma Thompson's haunting portrayal of a suicidal author should garner a few raves. Thompson has been popping in and out of good films lately, (Harry Potter, Love Actually, Angels in America) and seems poised for a nice comeback to the Oscars. Again, another weak category could welcome her back and along with Ferrell could train ride the both of them to the Kodak.
The rest of the supporting cast is magnificent. Dustin Hoffman is still chewing some of his comedic elements beautifully. Queen Latifah is showing her range despite how small the role is. And Maggie Gyllenhaal is having a fantastic year but in Fiction she is the sexiest and authentic I have ever seen her. Foster also has great control of his picture and never loses sight of Helm's message. He drives the film to a wonderful destination of oddity and elusiveness of the narrative.
Aside from the the beautiful screenplay by Zach Helm, the score is probably one of the strongest points adding to an eerie, yet completely volatile moving picture. Consideration if there is going to be any, should focus on the powerful screenplay that carries that "who thinks of that?" feeling and Ferrell and Thompson powerhouse performances. If it were up to me however, this would be a definite Best Picture contender for its originality and heartfelt humor. This film could change your complete outlook of your existence.
Grade: ****/****