Unveiling the Dark Truth Behind a Promising Movie
Renowned Director's Disappointing Work
Robert Zemeckis is widely regarded as one of the greatest directors in cinema history. His previous works like "Back to the Future" and "Forrest Gump" have left an indelible mark. But with "Here", he seems to have strayed from his usual form. The trailers promised a light-hearted and heartwarming film, but what we got was a dark and nihilistic tale.The movie is based on a graphic novel of the same name, which is known for its dark themes and radical cynicism. This seems to have influenced Zemeckis' creative choices, as the film is filled with personal tragedies and moral compromises. It's a far cry from the family-friendly movies he is known for.
When viewers leave the theater, they are left with a sense of disappointment and despair. As one woman said, "That was the saddest movie I have ever seen in my life." And it's not the kind of sadness that comes from a tragic story with a message of hope. It's a self-pitying and clinging misery that lingers long after the credits roll.
Themes of Loss and Regret
The trailers teased tender moments that set up scenes of loss and regret. What appears to be a film about love and compassion is actually a story about how the things we once held dear lose their magic and value over time.Zemeckis takes us on a journey through the lives of different families, showing us the consequences of their choices and the passage of time. We see teenage pregnancies, lost jobs, and squandered fortunes. These are the things that plague our interior lives and hold us back from living freely.
But the film doesn't offer any solutions or hope. It's a bleak portrayal of the human condition, leaving viewers feeling hopeless and helpless. It's a far cry from the feel-good movies we expect from a director of Zemeckis' caliber.
Aesthetic Choices and Framing
The entire film is framed by a living room window overlooking the home of Benjamin Franklin's disgraced son. This framing device mimics the frames in the graphic novel and gives the film a sense of timelessness.Most of the inhabitants are upper-middle-class white people, with one Black family playing a lesser role. This highlights the social and racial issues that are present in the film, but are not given the attention they deserve.
The most powerful scene in the film takes place when the father tries to teach his teenage son how to deal with a white police officer. It's a tense and emotional moment that shows the importance of communication and understanding. But it's also overshadowed by the other themes and storylines in the film.
The Failure of Certain Scenes
There are a few scenes in the film that hint at what it could have been like if Zemeckis had taken a different approach. For example, the scene with the life coach could have been poignant if Zemeckis had taken the character seriously.Instead, the scene is played for laughs, adding to the overall cynical tone of the film. It's a missed opportunity to add some depth and humanity to the story.
Another example is the ending, where Margaret suffers from dementia and forgets her life. It's a powerful moment that could have been used to explore the themes of memory and identity. But instead, it feels like a cheap trick to add some emotional weight to the film.
In conclusion, "Here" is a disappointing film that fails to live up to its potential. Despite the talent of the director and the star power of the cast, the film is marred by its dark themes and lack of hope. It's a reminder that even great directors can make mistakes.