A wonderful film that works as both a comedy and a drama

Rating: 9/10 (6 April 2011)

I first saw Stranger Than Fiction because it had a concept that I was really intrigued by. But I was intrepid too in approaching it, as apart from the odd decent, funny movie like Elf I am not a fan of Will Ferrell. But what a surprise since Stranger Than Fiction does work wonderfully.
I needn't have worried about Ferrell either, as he abandons the somewhat tired shtick that spoilt movies like The Other Guys and goes for the more understated approach. The result is a both funny and moving performance and perhaps his best role in his best movie. He is very well supported by an alluring Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffmann who here is more tick-riddled in an enjoyable way than ever before.
Not only that, Stranger than Fiction works as both a comedy and a drama. The comedic elements are genuinely funny and the dramatic elements are poignant and affecting without falling into mawkish over-sentimentality. The premise is very inspired and loopy, following in the footsteps of Being John Malkovich and I Heart Huckabees, and avoids falling into forced intellectual whimsy, and it is well-rounded off.
The production values are beautiful and striking and captured lovingly by the tight editing. The soundtrack is very beguiling with faithful instrumental versions and inspired song choices that don't spoil the mood of the film. The script is just great, and succeeds in being funny and poignant, and Marc Forster's understated direction makes it one of his better and more focused directorial efforts.
Stranger Than Fiction could have been shorter perhaps by about 7 or so minutes, but overall it is a wonderful film but several aspects made it work when I wasn't expecting them to. 9/10 Bethany Cox