Gorgeous and Surprising Directorial Talent

Rating: 10/10 (15 April 2014)

I have nothing negative to say about this film. I am actually glad Iceland is becoming so popular in Hollywood these days, because it has long been a stronghold of natural wonder and cultural glory, just typically less likely to be seen on screen before than it is today.
I don't even want to classify this film as a simple "romantic comedy" because the comedy is not the driving force of this film (although the daydream vignettes do have quite a comical effect when put in the context of Mitty's reality), and because the romance seems to tie in quite strongly with Mitty's quest for self hood and adventure, which makes the film's love story deeper and ultimately more fulfilling than other mainstream romantic movies I've seen.
So, soundtrack? Fits perfectly with the images of the film; it is good that understated Swedish folk artist Jose Gonzalez continues to churn out those subtle classics that make an overcast day and a hot cup of tea seem close to perfect.
Cinematographically, I have to say, the images were positively breathtaking at times; specifically, I am talking about the way way long shots where Mitty is traversing bridges by bike or foot, or when he is trying to reach a volcano and has the Icelandic geography as his backdrop; or the close-ups on Mitty when he realizes the volcano is about to erupt and he cannot understand that the driver of the car is trying to tell him to get in so he can drive them both to safety; I think that might have been a fish-eye lens there, but I am not entirely sure, as the image was only just barely warped. The special effects are really above par, too: such as in the fight sequence between the protagonist and his boss.
I know that for many, this sort of thing doesn't count in the evaluation of a film, but I am also a sucker for a decent title sequence and end credits, and the graphic presentation of the titles at first, then the cast and crew at the film's close, are really the kind of thing that makes me go, "Damn, I've GOT to learn how to DO that!"
I think most of all I loved the journey the film took us on, from a place of Mitty's longing for a seemingly out-of-reach coworker on an internet dating site, to a place of dreaming, to a place of self-discovery and making those dreams a reality, to getting the girl in the end. But something about this film probably will not bother you the way stereotypical boy-wants-girl narrative film does, because it really didn't for me.
If you are looking for familiar actors in a wholly new setting and under wholly different acting conditions, beautiful image capture, engaging visuals including special effects, some kind of representation of Icelandic culture, some moving statements about art, photography, and journalism (or really any field that blends art and the corporate world), and a better than average soundtrack, then this film is most definitely worth your time.
My hat (and I can say this since I wore one today) goes off to Ben Stiller, his cast and crew. I have a renewed interest in narrative romances, so long as they measure up to this one. It actually made me cry as the credits rolled, I was so full of love for TSLOWM.
Kudos!