The Book, The Film, The T-Shirt
  • Home
  • News
  • Features
  • Movies
  • Books
  • TV
  • Gaming
  • Interviews
  • Competitions
Movies 0

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

By Kelly Smith · On January 10, 2014

Cert: PG

Running Time: 114 mins

Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Sean Penn, Adam Scott

 Director: Ben Stiller

Release Date: 26 December 2013

Walter Mitty is a man who frequently drifts between his dull reality and his super-imagination in which he saves dogs from burning buildings and performs a host of other equally mock-heroic acts. In this action-packed, feel-good film, Mitty’s imagination flies from one unlikely situation to another so much so that at times it is difficult even for Mitty himself to distinguish his fantasy from his reality.

Mitty is a negative assets manager at Life magazine whose last print issue has been commissioned in light of its virtual takeover, headed by Ted Hendricks (Scott), who gives a marvellous portrayal of the ruthless executive. The film centres round a missing photograph, negative 25, which is planned to be used on the cover of the magazine’s final issue. Since provided by the wonderfully illusive photographer, Sean O’Connell (Penn), Mitty is spurned onto a journey of discovery for the lost picture that in turn, perhaps unsurprisingly, becomes a journey of self-discovery.

It is sometimes found that directors starring in their own films lack the necessary distance to make informed, detached observations of their work. Had Stiller not been directing himself he may have become aware of his character’s striking similarity to several others he has played over the years. Gradually he is type-casting himself as the slightly-pitiful male deprived of appreciation, which makes it difficult for the audience to form an emotional connection with this character. In a film such as this, this relationship is essential for its success, thus Stiller’s characterisation (or lack of) is unfortunate for it immediately disadvantages the production.

The romantic sub-plot between Mitty and Cheryl Melhoff (Wiig), his co-worker, was remarkably ordinary. It was refreshingly underplayed for so often in these kinds of films there is a grand, unbelievable, ‘love’ that drains the plot of its realism and credibility. Although some events surrounding their courtship are wildly fashioned in Mitty’s imagination the reality of the relationship itself is concrete.

The adventures Mitty imagines (although some of which we realise are real) relieve the predictability of a film without which would be another romantic comedy come adventure film lacking in substance. A spoof scene of Benjamin Button was particularly memorable yet even these comical moments appeared misplaced, even forced sometimes. It is sad to say that the best moments seem to be showcased in the trailer though the continual reappearance of Todd, who works for the online dating website, was always welcome.

The ambition with this film was evident yet, although mildly entertaining, it fell short of reaching its potential.

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Ben StillerKristen WiigWalter Mitty
Share Tweet

Kelly Smith

An aspiring journalist, Kelly studies English Literature and Theatre at the University of Leeds. She enjoys a good period drama, experimental art and gets herself through the tough times with a cup of tea and a dose of day time TV.

You Might Also Like

  • DVD

    FLIGHT RISK Review

  • DVD

    DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA Review

  • DVD

    DARK NUNS Review

No Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe & Follow

Follow @thebookthefilm
Follow on Instagram
Colourgraphics
  • Popular
  • Comments
  • Tags
  • The Rise of Lockdown Streaming

    May 3, 2020
  • Salvo (2014)

    September 27, 2014
  • Penny Dreadful S1 EP 3 ‘Resurrection’ & EP 4 ‘Demimonde’ Review

    June 22, 2014
  • Pet Movie

    Spoiler Alert – Top 5 Horror Movie Twists

    March 17, 2017
  • warner bros. for her dvd collection

    Christmas Gift Guide: For Her – Heart Warming DVDs

    December 14, 2016
  • Win a copy of The Apartment on Limited Edition Blu-ray Courtesy of Arrow Academy

    December 23, 2017
David Griffiths marvel Ben Affleck Kyle McGrath J.K. Simmons Amy Adams Jai Courtney Lee Griffiths Hugh Jackman Chris pratt Scarlett Johansson Jason Clarke Daniel Craig Emilia Clarke Henry Cavill keanu reeves benedict cumberbatch Sky Atlantic
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure

ABOUT

Over opinionated and online. The Book, The Film, The T-Shirt was created for lovers of entertainment everywhere. We hope you enjoy it. Don't feed the writers after midnight.

Latest News

  • 3

    FLIGHT RISK Review

    June 22, 2025
  • 3.5

    DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA Review

    June 22, 2025
  • 3.5

    DARK NUNS Review

    June 21, 2025

SEARCH THE SITE

HIBS100 Index of Home and Interior Blogs
HIBS100

© 2016 Last Exit to Hollywood Media Limited. All rightsreserved. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”