Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (***1/2)

I'm actually upset over how much I was able to tolerate this film. Okay I'll admit it, I actually liked it. Having received much criticism from critics and an extremely negative post-Oscar campaign, I was hesitant to see it, but after the credits began to silently role, I was undoubtedly moved.

We've all heard the story by now. Oskar Shell is a young boy who debatably duffers from Asperger's. His father (Tom Hanks) died in the 9/11 attacks, and a year later he finds a key in his closet, a key that sets Oskar on a citywide adventure. Oskar believes that finding the lock could keep the memory of his father alive longer, and creates a mathematical brain twister to logically fulfill his quest - including journeying to visit every person with the last name 'Black' in all of New York City. On foot. Good luck.

I can understand where disapproval of the film comes from. The World Trade Centers are featured so prominently in emotional scenes, almost beating emotions from the audience. Reoccurring images of Tom Hanks falling (even during the opening credits) are in bad taste, even for me. Yes, it's a movie about the aftermath, but how early is too soon? Thomas Horn, the film's star, delivers a believably detailed performance. Many could find his character annoying or 'loud,' but that's simply his nature. There's a reason he's an outsider. Think about the pro's of the film, like the soundtrack. Perhaps one of Alexandre Desplat's most effective original scores, the music speaks to audiences and lifts the images on screen to higher levels. How he did not receive an Oscar nomination is baffling.

The supporting cast is stellar but perhaps underused, with poignant moments from Viola Davis, Tom Hanks, and Sandra Bullock, who continues to fight to prove her Oscar win was for a reason. Max Von Sydow, however, is spectacular. In a performance completely free of dialogue, his performance as 'the Renter' is as complete as any other Oscar-nominated role this year. It's beautiful, brief, and touching, and I suspect Sydow could easily give Christopher Plummer a run for his money.

Steven Daldry, what to say.... Each of his 4 films have received at least 1 acting nomination, and every one has received a nomination in either Best Picture or Best Director (or both). The Academy obviously loves him, and it's not too difficult to see why. Yes, this film is controversial and has moments that fall flat (a child running around the city banging a tambourine can only work for so long), but there are also moments of pure brilliance (like Oskar's moment of revelation of all his bottled emotions to the Renter, or the Tom Hanks' last phone call to his wife).

Whatever the case may be, I have decided it is a good film, after all. Perhaps I will change my mind in time. Sandra Bullock in a Best Picture nominee usually means I'll end up hating it after a good initial viewing (Crash, The Blind Side). We'll see. For now, all I can say is that this is a film intended for an open mind.


Oscar nominations have been announced, but here is what I believe the film had potential nominations in.

(Awards potential: Best Picture, Best Actor (Horn), Best Supporting Actor (Sydow), Best Original Score)