Yes, No, Maybe So: "Extremely Loud..."
Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 11:11AM A full disclosure before we begin with this one, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. It's the supposedly Oscar Baity story of a precocious young boy in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy, reeling from the loss of his father and roaming the streets of New York City. I have not read the novel that it's based on so the only story I know is what the trailer gives me. In fact, I've never read anything by Jonathan Safron Foer though I really meant to read Everything is Illuminated back when it was the only book I ever saw people reading on the subway. (I miss the days where you had eyeball proof what books were hot; everyone just reads Kindles or IPads on the subway now so the visual hive mind is no longer illuminated. Sigh).
Introducing... Thomas Horn
Finally, I am generally emotionally resistant to 9/11 narratives because most of them cheapen the actual memories of that day or 'reduce them to anecdotes' as Ouisa Kittredge might say. To me ... I should add, even though it's implicit in all opinion-pieces, because I get that we all respond to button-pushing shared histories differently.
So take the following for what it's worthy as we break down the trailer in our usual "do we want a ticket?" way:
YES -reasons the trailer illuminates for wanting to see it right now.
NO - things the trailer makes us nervous about.
MAYBE SO - things that leave us uncertain or seem like they could go either way.
YES
- In several shots the movie suggests it has a real visual identity which is a huge plus for movies based on non-visual material. It looks beautifully lit, too (Two-time Oscar winner Chris Menges so we're in good hands.)
- Love all the shots of maps both in the background or as the main focus... especially if it's about exploring this world in which we live.
- Thomas Horn in the lead role of Oskar Schell appears to be a find as child actors go. At least his face is expressive and natural in these two minutes.
- The ashy cloud moments and Oskar's heartbreaking "are you there, Dad?" whisper
- Touchy feely stories about our collective humanity are totally needed -- provided they're done well -- given collective cynicism and the restless "every man for himself!" right-wing anger we're so bombarded with all the time.
- Max von Sydow !!!
- Sandra Bullock's post-Oscar role. Hey, give her credit: it's not Catwoman or Aeon Flux!
- "From the Director of The Hours and Billy Elliott"... People (at least internet people) became very angry with Stephen Daldry when The Reader hit and especially because it hit with Oscar, but he's a good director. And why wouldn't you want to see another movie "from the director of The Hours and Billy Elliot". I mean, they're both goodies. And one of them we all still obsess over if comment tallies any time you say "The Hours" can be trusted.
- Speaking of: If Thomas Horn is half as good here as Jamie Bell was in Billy Elliot...
NO
- Wait. Two holiday movies about adolescent boys with magical keys? (see also: Hugo. Or don't)
- Part of the point of the story is obviously Oskar's idolization of his father... but given that, and that there's a certain arrogant expectation that we all idolize Tom Hanks, the casting feels a little lazy or a little manipulative.
- I love Viola Davis but given how well her career is going does she really have to take every tiny part offered? This looks like the kind of part she would always take around 2000-2003. I mean there are a TON of underemployed black actresses who could have used the money for what looks like a bit next door neighbor part. I mean does Viola even care that Lynn Whitfield and Kimberly Elise and [insert name here] gotta pay their mortgages, too?* Do any actors worry about over-exposure anymore? It seems to be a worry of the past as film stars go. (Trust that they used to worry about it. Some stars even had strict "only one film a year" policies.)
- The touchy-feely humanity could really grate... especially if the musical choices are this screamingly obvious and musty with sentiment in the actual movie.
- Little boy narration. Blech. Show, don't tell.
MAYBE SO
- A little precocity goes a long long way.
How about you? Did you tear up while watching the trailer or did the sentiment make you dry heave? Are you a 'yes, no, or maybe so'? Are you any of those emphatically? And we have to talk Oscar, we do. This trailer gives me strong All or Nothing vibes.
*I'm joking. Other people's careers are not Viola's responsibility so don't bite my head off like you do when I say the same thing about Meryl Streep ;). But it's just a Film Experience pet peeve about actors who are in everything while everyone else would attack each crumb like it was their Oscar role. Spread the wealth a little casting directors!
Reader Comments (38)
thank goodness you explained the difference between yes, no and maybe so; you know how we get so confused...
between sandra's cheap wig, the kid's odd line readings and the heavy-handed use of 'where the streets have no name' i'm going to go with no
Resounding Y-E-S full stop
I inexplicably got really emotional about this movie. I'm a maybe so. I typically don't go for this type of film, but this struck me. I like that it's a 9/11 movie without being a 9/11 MOVIE. Also, Sandra's acting looks like it might actually be better than what she won the Oscar for. Not that she's amazing, but hell, imagine if the two roles had been flipped?
Loved the reference to Ouisa. Such a great character!
Peggy Sue: OMG ME TOO!! I think Six Degrees of Separation is one of the most underrated films of that year!! :-)
Nathaniel: Can we all just go have a screening of Six Degrees of Separation instead of discussing this trailer? HA
If you're gonna make a 10 year anniversary 9/11-nostalgic snuff film-- featuring a cameo of the smoking, collapsing towers-- I don't mind the lead, supporting and technical cast being typecast from the actor's actor A-list. In fact, that's about the ONLY way you're gonna snag me.
I wonder what they're doing with Jeffrey Wright.
The feel of this trailer for me is reminiscent of Speilberg's masterpiece coming-of-age epics ET, Close Encounters, Empire of the Sun, and, arguably, AI, which all continue to resonate and shine. That's pretty much how Super 8 got me and I was only half disappointed in that.
Viola Davis is a character actor. She has to take parts in auteur films or find herself taking bit parts in Tyler Perry movies to add more credits on her resume.
I find Tom Hanks sexy as an older man-- sue me. I love that Sandra might be afterglow worthy after seeing this trailer.
I'm a yes because it's Stephen Daldry and because I agree that it looks beautifully shot. However, I'm really worried about Thomas Horn. I have not read the book, but my understanding is that Oskar is not just precocious, but also a little difficult-to-relate-to and possibly autistic/with Aspberger's. This is a big part of the mother-son storyline and I'm just not seeing it play out in this trailer. It makes me wonder...
And I totally agree with par3182 on the U2 music. Ugh.
Stephen Daldry hasn't disappointed me yet. Yeah, I said it. I'm in.
I agree with The Hours being great, but Billy Elliot...
And yes to the Ouisa reference!
I hate to admit it but I've seen 6 Degrees at least half a dozen times and yet I'm missing the Ouisa reference, can someone school me?
If it’s going to be a major Oscar player, I wonder how many noms this film could get. It’s set in modern days unlike The Reader and The Hours (not counting Streep’s part) and both have the edge for cinematography and costume design.
Let’s say the film got at least 4 for pic, director, screenplay, and editing. Will it get more? Maybe a nod for Sandy and other actor like Max von Sydow. And I wonder about the music from Nico Muhly who did a wonderful job actually in The Reader.
Liked the book. Really like the author. And the trailer got to me. Pretty much loved it. The visuals are amazing, Thomas Horn looks really really good (though the narration is a bit un-natural) and overall the feeling is touchy and emotional, but not too over the top. And if they stay true to the book, it' ll be more edgy than a normal touchy coming of age feel good movie - nothing against that. So I guess in the end it might be something special - and i trust Stephan Daldry. Billy Elliot is such a masterpiece.
p.s. U2 this obvious is really not the best choice.
I've read the book and this trailer seems to be fairly truthful to the book except for the book's another storyline about Oskar's grandparents... Probably they cut out the whole German part and focus on the relationship between Oskar and his grandfather as Max Von Sydow seems to have a bigger part. In the book, the relationship between Oskar and his mother is an important element, which I can't tell the film is true to the book or not.
Anyway, for me, it's YES. I didn't like U2's song in the trailer, but it must be only for the trailer, so hopefully the feature will have more appropriate songs. It's YES because:
a) The boy isn't overshadowed by two big stars.
b) The boy seems to be less annoying than in the book.
c) Curious to see how Sandra Bullock plays the rare supporting role.
d) There are several scenes in the book that I really really want to see in the film.
I'll have to wait till February next year to see the movie. I can't wait.
I'm sorry i didn't like the trailer. The music ruined it for me. Are we supposed to bask in melodramatic euphoria upon hearing Bono's voice? No.
Sandy was reduced to Maggie Gs role in that film about the twin towers where Nick Cage mumbled in rubble for two hours. And I absolutely abhor movies with precocious leads. Those kids are never venerated in real life; they are scrutinized and picked last when choosing groups in class.
The kid's narration seems very wooden, but he looks good otherwise, so...
I'm at least glad that it didn't give away plot points other than the general setup. But then the atmopshere of the whole thing didn't really draw me in. It seems kind of dull, really.
@Jake D - I agree, Thomas Horn's narration/VO sounds oddly inflected, annoyingly elocuted (kind of like the kid who play Luke Dunphy on the otherwise great Modern Family). However, that said, if the character *is* supposed to be shades of Asperger's/Autism, then perhaps the wooden delivery is deliberate?
@Nat - Good point on Sandy's on-the-surface quality follow-up to her Oscar win. Let's give credit where credit's due (although she did have a long career as a blockbuster headliner before The Blind Side so that's probably why she doesn't feel the need to do a cash-grab like Berry or Theron).
@Vern - The scene in Six Degrees of Separation that Nat's referring to is the penultimate one where Ouisa's at the restaurant table talking about "the pink shirt." It's riveting as Oscar clips go.
I'm a maybe so. I wasn't really impressed with The Reader, but every director has his missteps, and oh, how I love Billy Elliot and The Hours, so a new Daldry certainly piques my interest.
That being said, this trailer is trying way too hard to hit the broad sentimental beats. That's probably just marketing trying to appeal to the broadest possible audience, but it'd be a real shame if the film missed the quirky inventiveness of the source material in favor of TEARS! TEARS! TEARS!
I'm a NO. I've only found one "9/11" film to be worthwhile, and that was "United 93." This one looks not nearly as good.
I'm a yes. Okay, I love Sandra Bullock...there, I said it. And she looks like she does a solid job in this movie, and is quite a contender for an afterglow nom, and that makes me happy.
"Good point on Sandy's on-the-surface quality follow-up to her Oscar win. Let's give credit where credit's due (although she did have a long career as a blockbuster headliner before The Blind Side so that's probably why she doesn't feel the need to do a cash-grab like Berry or Theron)."
Yeah, but I feel like Sandy's choice of roles probably improved because of the Oscar win, or she feels she has more to prove now. Either way, it's exciting.
I'm a yes. I agree with everyone that the film seems beautifully shot--it's one of the firs things I noticed. I haven't read the book yet, but am planning to. From what I've heard, everyone who has read it has said it is an impossibly hard book to adapt, so we'll see how the finished product comes out. I thought Thomas Horn seemed really promising from the trailer, which surprised me. Last year's golden child Hailee Steinfeld annoyed the living hell out of me and was so obnoxiously praised, so it's nice to see a child actor who seems to have a natural aptitude for acting. Oh, and I'm thinking Sandy may actually be a contender for best supporting actress...she looks great from the trailer and it's the kind of role that Oscar responds well to (grieving, yet warm and gentle mother who has experienced loss). It's exciting to see that Sandra has started to pick more auteur projects since her Oscar win...it doesn't appear like she will pull a Halle, Charlize, or Reese and star in a string of terribly forgettable films.
I'm a YES. I loved the book. For those of you not wanting a "9/11" film, this isn't about 9/11. The book takes place after 9/11 happened, so there were a couple flashbacks to it, but the main story is of a little boy trying to get over the death of his father. (I didn't like the U2 song in the trailer either though).
Surprisingly...I'm a Yes. This isn't exactly the novel I'd think of when I think "prestige 9/11 novel", coughFalling Man by Don DeLillocough, but, based on that trailer, I'm definitely going to see this, even with my communicated distaste for the blandly dreary efforts of The Hours and The Reader.
How can you not love the U2 song...that song is inspiring! The guitar kills me.
I wasn't excited about this film when I first read about it, but the trailer just sold me. So YES!
Yes: I like Stephen Daldry. He seems to be able to work well with child actors, like Billy Elliot. Also, Billy Elliot dealt very well with some serious background story, the miner's strike. So he should be a very good choice for this film. Maybe it'll give Warhorse a run for it's money in the tears department.
No: I worked in a bookstore the summer this book was out. While we sold some copies of Everything is Illuminated, we didn't sell a single copy of Extremely Loud. My memories of this book are packing it up to return to the publisher. Apologies to those who read the book and liked it. Something about the book just didn't seem to appeal.
Maybe so: The reviews and word of mouth will influence me on this one.
actors need work, I think, and Viola Davis is an actress, not a star, and she finds work and she works! + she's not in her 20s or 30s + tell me of an actor (again, not a star) who would not want to work with Stephen Daldry even if it's a tiny role?
I remember one Emily Blunt interview about her role in "Charlie Wilson's War" and she said that "when Mike Nichols asks you to be in his movie the only thing you can say is YES!" I can only assume Viola's reasons are the same.
I really find it utterly weird when you start the ubiquity concerns... if it's Brad Pitt or Clooney I understand, but if it's Jeremy Renner or Viola Davis, I don't.
I really don't care about this film, just wanted to address something you said:
"does Viola even care that Lynn Whitfield and Kimberly Elise and [insert name here] gotta pay their mortgages, too?* Do any actors worry about over-exposure anymore?"
Maybe she just wanted to work with Stephen Daldry and be a part of the film, it's not like she's greedy for taking the part. And if the director thought she was a good choice, maybe he had his reasons.
A beloved book, a great director, pretty sympathetic cast - I can'twait for it, I'm sure Daldry won't let us down!
Yes: Gorgeous imagery, talented director, interesting kid. I'm also excited too see what Sandra Bullock does with her part. And Max von Sydow :)
No: Tom Hanks. He automatically triggers my dry heave reflexes. Also the trailer seems to try too hard to activate my tearducts which I resent.
Maybe so: I haven't read anything by Foer, but I really liked the film version of Everything is Illuminated. I thought it handled a dark subject matter with both respect and a sense whimsy. If this film manages to do the same, I'm in.
I think I'll always be a yes for Stephen Daldry. He makes such fine films without the need to go super flashy or super gritty. They're always just really well made films in an almost classical sorta way (the way Clint Eastwood films always get described, but aren't).
Mysjkin: But Everything is Illuminated had a different director (Liev Schrieber). Not that I haven't enjoyed Billy Elliot and The Hours, so I respect Daldry, but the weakness of the Hours was in pushing the melodrama, the sturm und drang (something the novel itself elegantly avoids), so I'm very "we'll see" with this one.
Especially when a cute kid is involved as the protagonist. (Unless he sees dead people.)
Janice: I know it's a different director, the point I'm trying to make is that the source material is from the same hand and seems to have some of the same elements; dark subject matter (terror, death of a loved one) and whimsy (a childs wondrous exploration of the world), and the film needs to get the right balance between them (as E is I did imo) :)
I'm not sure about the trailer but it's an absolute yes for me nonetheless, because I loved Billy Elliot, The Hours and The Reader and the last two made me cry so hard. I just wish they wouldn't have used the U2 song.
The book was not so good, and Everything is Illuminated had a promising start before deliving into unreadable near the end. Let's get that out of the way.
That being said...I'm a Maybe So on the trailer.
Maybe so. The supporting cast is fantastic (on paper, anyway), but otherwise I got some major vibes of cheap manipulation from the trailer. To be fair, they may have only cut it that way to attract a larger audience who likes traditional tearjerkers, and it's possible that the movie is nowhere near as manipulative as the trailer makes it out to be. That's why I'm a maybe.
By the way, I think its best Oscar chances are Picture, Director, Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Film Editing, and Cinematography. I'm not going to hold my breath on a Max von Sydow nomination, because last time I did (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly), I was let down.
Sue me, but I liked this trailer. The book's a twee hot mess, and b/c of that alone, I said to myself that I'll never read another Jonathan Safran Foer novel again. But as far as 9/11 narratives go, this could be a cathartic one for a lot of people, so on those grounds I can respect the intent. I could easily see Mr. Stephen Daldry go 4/4 with this (but I'll never forgive him for that shit he committed to film called "The Reader"), and at least Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks are likable enough faces to ease the tension up a little bit. Not sure about Thomas Horn. Oskar is probably one of the most precocious child characters you'll ever come across in fiction ever, and if Horn doesn't strike the right tone early on, then he's gonna turn a LOT of people off with his incarnation. Even the sappy sentiment of the story itself won't save him. But I'll still be there to see what this adaptation turned out being, so YES to the trailer and YES to the upcoming film. If this film hits in any kind of genuine way, expect the Oscars to bite hard with nominations and wins. And on the 10th anniversary of 9/11? Bitch, please. There's your best picture winner.
I think Viola Davis has that character actor mentality of "next job! next job!' that she hasn't shaken yet no matter how acclaimed she gets. She's a black actress in an industry that doesn't know what to do with her or truly appreciate her talent (and this could be said for just about every actress of color in the business). I don't think she's going in thinking, "I'm taking away a potential role from Angela Bassett and Kimberly Elise." She's thinking, "I want to work, and I have a mortgage to pay off, etc." Not to say that those other actresses wouldn't have nailed these roles, but just what could be going on with Davis when she signs on the dotted line. It's not entirely different from the Meryl syndrome, but even 60+ year old white actresses can get more work somewhere than most working black actresses 20 years younger. It's probably a credit to Stephen Daldry that he cast Viola Davis, since if I'm remembering the book correctly, the character Davis is playing is supposed to be white (race might not have been stated specifically, but the impression was that she's not black). Color-blind casting is something to applaud when it's done to positive effect.