21st Century Secret Living

Rating: Null/10 (21 March 2016)

Based on the same short story as the 1947 Danny Kaye film of the same title, this is a vastly different big screen adaptation, updated for the twenty-first century with a basic story that is more grounded in reality. The film begins on a similar note to the 1947 incarnation with Mitty (played here by Ben Stiller) tripping in and out of fantasy and reality, however, whereas Kaye in the 1947 version gradually found himself involved in a real life conspiracy more fantastical than any of his daydreams, Stiller finds himself on a more humdrum quest to track down a photographer and a missing negative here. This narrative deflection leads to the Stiller version being less funny (the 1947 film derives much humour from nobody believing Kaye about the elaborate conspiracy). The most disappointing element of the 2013 film though is how Mitty's fantasies so quickly take a backseat to reality in line with a positive thinking and 'living life to its fullest' message. Mitty's fantasies are not valued here, whereas in the earlier film they are what makes him so good at his job in the first place. Comparisons aside though, the 2013 film is not half-bad for what it is (though at two hours it feels incredibly long). Stiller makes for an excellent milquetoast Mitty, the vistas on display are breathtaking, and Mitty's office building, full of blue hues, is an incredible feat of art direction. The film also has some nice, offbeat moments too (Stiller realising just how large certain beer mugs are) in the parts where the filmmakers do not try too hard to be funny, touching or sentimental.