Stranger Than Fiction - A Movie Review

Either I’m hearing voices in my head or I am a character in a story.

Stranger Than Fiction was released to theaters in 2006. Harold Crick hears a voice. This voice narrates his life as if he is living in a story. As he is trying to figure out what is happening, Harold makes an effort to live the life that he has avoided upon learning of his imminent death.

As a writer, Stranger Than Fiction is one of my favorite films. It’s a movie that you should not think too hard on. What if you found out that you were actually a character in a story? With a stellar cast and a significant moral on the value of living our best life, Stranger Than Fiction operates on a unique and entertaining concept.

In one of his best performances, Will Ferrell stars as Harold Crick, a man who would rather live his life alone. We really get a feel for his character. Ferrell was engrossing and I like how he mixed drama and comedy together. He even displays hidden talents that I never knew about him.

Since Harold is the only one who can hear this woman’s voice narrating his life, it makes for some funny scenes. The evolution of his character feels genuine. We cannot live life by the book. Instead, we have to live life to the fullest, make social connections, and be happy.

Stranger Than Fiction is very well cast. Maggie Gyllenhaal is outstanding as a passionate baker. I enjoyed her approach to the role. Scenes that take place in the bakery are a delight. Honestly, you cannot watch this film without munching on a tasty treat. An unlikely romance brews between Harold and Ana as they learn that they are not so different after all.

I’m sure all writers see themselves as the hectic Karen Eiffel who is struggling with serious writer’s block. Emma Thompson is remarkable, specifically in her facial reactions. Writing is never easy. You’ll get a kick out of her fantasy moments where she is trying to pick out the right death scene. Thompson does a terrific job narrating the movie with very descriptive language.

Included in this stellar cast are the talents of Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifa, Tony Hale, and several other surprise appearances. Stranger Than Fiction is a character-focused film. Everyone holds a significant item of value. Little subplots are included which are actually very important to pay attention to. Every interaction is superb, specifically Hoffman and Ferrell.

The filmmakers had a great approach to displaying the film from the perspective of Harold Crick. Specifically, when he is counting steps, levels of soap, or brushing his teeth a creative set of numbers ran on the screen. Special effects are impressive.

Marc Forster’s direction is excellent. Stranger Than Fiction is one of the best examples of character depth. Forster made sure that audiences connected with these characters. The editing for the film was well-crafted. Again, it is not a film that you should think too hard about, but the endless theories are fun to think about.

Writing is a challenge. And yet it is so fun. I love to write not only for myself but to give others a fun story to read. Characters take you on the journey to learn the right pathways for the plot to move forward. Life is like a story. You’re in charge of your own pathway. Write a good story.

Whenever I watch this film, I always find myself smiling. I recommend to anyone to find Stranger Than Fiction. Have a laugh, share a tear, and most importantly just enjoy it.