Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, directed by Stephen Daldry, is a tear-jerking cinematic adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foe's 2005 novel. The plot follows young Oskar Schell's (Thomas Horn) journey to keep his father's memory alive after his tragic death during the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
From a young age, Oskar develops a close relationship with his father (Tom Hanks), as he seems to suffer from a wide array of social issues (his symptoms point to Asperger's disorder). The bond between father and son is strengthened by their mutual curiosity and thrill for expedition.
A year after the "worst day," Oskar finds a key in his father's closet, which he believes will unlock a final parting message left by his father. In his quest to keep his father's memory vivid, he embarks on a search around the five boroughs of New York to find the lock that the key opens. Throughout his journey, we see Oskar's character mature and evolve with each new character he meets. Ultimately, the key doesn't exactly end up unveiling a distinct final message for Oskar; however, the experience illustrates how the journey is sometimes more important than the actual destination. Through his experiences, Oskar is able to face and overcome many of his fears, and, in doing so, comes to understand how life coexists simultaneously with loss.
Although, at times, the film seemed somewhat predictable (I'm largely referring to "The Renter") and dragged out, the overall product is a refreshing representation of the loss that our nation incurred on September 11.
The story allows the audience to remember the tragic day but with the twist of viewing it through the experience of one unique nine-year-old.
Another drawback of the film is the unsympathetic nature of the main character.
Although Oskar contains many admirable qualities such as his superb intellect, independence and wisdom beyond years, his introvert personality is difficult to relate to.
Moreover, his actions, at times, come off as selfish and cruel; namely, the exchange he has with his mother during which he bursts out telling her he wishes she had died instead.
Additionally, critics may argue that a more believable and plausible plot would result in a higher impact film for despite the engaging story line, the account is unrealistic.
On a different and more positive note, the caliber of the cast is truly deserving of mention; it undoubtedly enhances the quality of the narration and takes the story to another level.
Tom Hanks, who is always a favorite, gives another solid performance as Oskar's loving, energetic and playful father.
Newcomer (Teen Jeopardy winner) Thomas Horn displays tremendous talent as the lead. He embodies the full complexity of his young yet wise character and invokes real emotion within the audience. However, the true standing ovation must go to Sandra Bullock who plays Oskar's mother. Although her character received a mere 24 minutes of screen time, Bullock's performance is unparalleled.
She perfectly captures the devastation of a 9/11 widow who has suddenly lost the love of her life and must struggle to form a connection with the only thing she has left in this world. Furthermore, both Bullock and Horn are able to portray the constant internal battle between strength and weakness that humans face post hardship.
All in all, the take-home message of the film is the importance of understanding the human experience — that of comprehending that tragedy, in different forms, is a part of all existence but must not overpower the happiness that simultaneously defines human life.
