The famous short story by James Thurber (which first appeared in a 1939 issue of The New Yorker influenced and inspired many a writer - myself included. Among other incarnations, in 1947 Danny Kaye starred in an adapted version, Stiller's variation is not a remake of Kaye's. Instead, Stiller decides to update Mitty and his surroundings to modern day.

Stiller also paints this film with a sweet artistic sense from the opening credits to the poetic tease-piecing of Life's theme. The film flips nicely between reality and dream, and includes a rich supply of real reaction shots as to make clear the negative side of zoning out. Unlike most films these days that start and end with high-impact action or drama, Walter Mitty takes its time settling in and easing out -- and it works. That said, the resolution seems supplied in two acts. The second one is sweet, but feels a bit tacked on. I thought for sure the film was going to end at the fade-to-black (prior to the skeletal airport security scene) which would have been very brave and poetic. I would have loved it. But, (really just guessing here) the many product sponsors would have had various conniption fits … and so the second more traditional resolution was drafted and filmed. Interestingly enough, that one ends with a fade-to-white.

Filmmakers pace the production perfectly and package it with a good sense of humor. Despite the obvious product placement, I really enjoyed Stiller's Mitty. The "Space Oddity" music video scene is particularly inspiring. I screened this at my local theatre, and I should mention that about half the audience applauded upon its conclusion (quite a rarity, and the sincerest of complements to a picture).

-- Books by Ross Anthony, Author/Illustrator --