Already Dead, Just not Typed

Rating: 8/10 (11 November 2006)

Greetings again from the darkness. The endless run of previews for this one had me a bit concerned that it might be a comedy with 4 funny scenes - all of which appear in the trailer. I never should have doubted director Marc Foster, who has two excellent films to his credit: "Monster's Ball" and "Finding Neverland". As different as those two films are, "Stranger Than Fiction" proves Mr. Foster has a real eye for quality scripts, regardless of genre.
For anyone expecting a typical Will Ferrell film or performance, I say go in with an open mind instead. Ferrell is remarkably deadpan as IRS agent Harold Crick, who just so happens to also be the protagonist of novelist Kay Eiffel's (Emma Thompson) latest book. This is Ferrell's best performance on film to date.
The film is a bit quirky, but provides an excellent look inside the world of creative writing, while at the same time allowing us to question the daily process we go through in living our lives. "Adaptation" provided a look behind the curtain at the writing process and in this film the "meet your maker" theme is an added bonus as a nice thought provoker. What if the maker is really making it up as he/she goes? What if we have more control over our destiny that some would believe?
The three lead actors are all terrific. Ferrell as Harold Crick is like a blossoming flower as he discovers life with the luminescent Maggie Gyllenhaal (a baker - one who makes things for others enjoyment). Thompson is just outstanding as the blocked writer who always kills off her main characters and finally starts to question why. Few actresses would allow themselves to be filmed as disheveled and unmade-up as she appears here. Supporting work is solid by Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah (surely much of her role was left on the editing floor?), Tony Hale, Linda Hunt and an almost unrecognizable Tom Hulce (remember "Amadeus"!).
A solid script, nice direction, wonderful acting and a very interesting theme make this an excellent film for most ages. Pay attention to the nice music provided by Austin's own Spoon.