I remember talking with friends shortly after 9/11, wondering how long it would be before Hollywood started dealing with the biggest tragedy in American history. I thought it would be about 10 years, which, if I had been correct, would have made Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close the first film about 9/11.
But I was wrong, Hollywood gave us the abysmal World Trade Center, United 93 and a few others. Perhaps though, Extremely Loud… was the first film to deal with the fall out of that terrible day.
Thomas Horn as Oskar Schell
Extremely Loud… is the story of nine-year-old Oskar Schell, who loses father, Thomas Schell (Tom Hanks), on “the worst day.” Following his father’s death, Oskar tries to solve the mystery of a key he finds in his father’s closet while growing increasingly more detached from his mother, Linda Schell (Sandra Bullock).
Heavy-hitters Hanks and Bullock star as Oskar's parents
Adapted from the wonderful Jonathan Safran Foer novel of the same name, Extremely Loud… treats Oskar’s quest to find meaning in his father’s death with care, if not a little heavy-handedly. Throughout his quest, Oskar encounters New Yorkers who seem to never have good news for him, but, in many cases encourage or support him.
Additionally, Oskar, ever inquisitive, tries to solve the mini-mystery of “The Renter” that moved into his Grandmother’s across-the-street apartment shortly after the terrorist attacks.
Oskar, who has autism, may annoy some viewers with his precociousness, but I found Horn’s performance to be moving and realistic. Bullock and Hanks each deliver emotionally charged, nuanced performances.
The narrative is absolutely saccharine-sweet, but the film comes together in unexpected, unpredictable ways that should please and touch most viewers.
Though other critics have disagreed, I don’t believe the movie is exploitative of 9/11, but, like Where the Wild Things Are, the breakthrough at the end of the film is very personal to the young main character and may not translate to every member of the audience.
Book-to-Movie Review
Safran Foer’s excellent book is, not surprisingly, richer than the two-hour film. In the book, we learn much more about Oskar’s family, including things about his grandparents that are mostly glossed over in the film but are vital Safran Foer’s story. Additionally, Oskar’s catharsis is probably less common, but more true to someone of his character and demeanor in the book. I’d suggest reading the book before you see the film.
One Comment »