Pain is a very real part of the human experience. So much so, that it greatly defines that experience. The exploration of that pain as it impacts each of us, is the backdrop throughout Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, a movie that serves a thread which binds all humanity.
Oscar Schell (Thomas Horn) is an exceptional kid. He's a ten year old boy who is simultaneously incredibly bright, annoyingly demanding and socially misplaced. His parents delight in each of those attributes, especially his father, Thomas (Tom Hanks). He's a closeted scientist living life as a mild-mannered jeweler. Thomas has a special connection with Oscar, stemming beyond the ole father-son dynamic. Thomas continually challenges his son by creating expeditions that help Oscar discover the world around him, while enhancing the boy's innovative flare. The two are close. Very close. Actually, his father may well be the only one who has a genuine grip on the kid. Enter The Worst Day: September, 11, 2001. On that infamous day, Thomas entered an 8:30AM meeting at the World Trade Center. He did not come out. Months later, Oscar discovers a key in his father's closet. He embarks on one more expedition in an effort to discover a message held within its lock--surely to provide one last communication from his father. Yadayadayada Oscar searches the five burrows of NYC for the lock that matches this undoubtedly special key.
It's good. Very good--I'll go with 4.5 Stars. It's a great story that is well told by director, Stephen Daldry. Sure, there was a little lull around the 40-minute mark, but there was more than enough weight in the storyline to build up great momenum heading into a great last hour.
There's plenty to watch for in this one: Father-Son relationship; Mother-Son relationship; Grandfather-Grandson relationship; the incredible pain that one experiences in losing one of the most important people in your life; rebuilding your life after such a tragedy; and even the symbolic relationship that exists within the key and lock--undoubtedly a metaphor for the father-son dynamic. Plenty of late night discussions packed within this 130 minute film.
Further, wow...I can't say enough about this kid. Never seen him before, but Thomas Horn is someone to keep an eye on for certain. This was a very challenging role because of the very unique nature of the character. We're talking about a nine/ten year old kid teetering on Asberger's and bordering on brilliant--all while living with intense pain. That is a difficult combination to pull off. Either this kid IS quite similar to the character, or he is a very talented young artist. Sure, Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock were their typical Oscar-esque selves; and, Max von Sydow was amazing, even with limited lines (I've loved this guy since Pelle the Conqueror in 1987 and he seemed ancient then!).
No real complaints on this end--aside possibly from the previously mentioned short lull and well, what is a very challenging title. Come on folks...Extemely Loud and Incredibly Close is TOOOOO long. Original flicks just can't contain titles with five words in them. Sure, there's The Lord of the Rings or The Man Who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain...zzz...oh, sorry--dozed off there. At any rate, I would have stuck with "Extremely Loud" and left it at that.
Regardless of what you call it, go see it and see it BIG!
True...OUT!
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