Writer Zach Helm (Other People's Business) has created an interesting high concept, and he executes it with precise Charlie Kaufman-esque strange humor. The script is teeming with cliches, especially when it comes to the characters of author and character. But these cliches work within the framework because in a way, the film is a satire, a cautionary fairytale about art vs. life. It poses an interesting question: If you must choose between art and life, which would you choose?
Helm's dialogue and narrative are sharp, witty, and observant, and his characters are interesting. He employs all the writerly cliches in the structure of the screenplay as well: dramatic irony, foreshadowing, mirroring, etc., giving every writer in the audience a chance to giggle at the inside jokes. Even the title is a cliche — and it's perfect.
Director Marc Forster (Finding Neverland) has assembled a perfect cast for this production. Everyone plays their roles and plays off each other wonderfully. Forster also engages us with a brisk pace and minimalist yet visually arresting production. Ferrell's subdued performance compliments Thompson's morose narration perfectly to achieve a certain comic revelation.
There is not a dull moment in the film. It keeps us guessing until the end. Okay, maybe not whether Harold is going to live or die, but rather, how exactly Kay Eiffel is going to kill Harold Crick. The question looms over us from the very first reel and it's a smart move. Perhaps this fantasy won't change the world, but it certainly is thought-provoking in an entertaining way. And if it does manage to change the world, even for a bit, that won't be exactly stranger than fiction.
Stars: Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Queen Latifah
Director: Marc Forster
Writer: Zach Helm
Distributor: Columbia
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some disturbing images, sexuality, brief language and nudity
Running Time: 113 minutes
Ratings:
Script: 8
Performance: 9
Direction: 8
Cinematography: 8
Music/Sound: 8
Editing: 7
Production: 7
Overall: 7.9 out of 10
Article comments