Stranger Than Fiction

Director: Marc Foster

Starring: Will Ferell, Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah

The tagline gives the plot away really. Harold Crick (Ferrell) does not want to die. Unfortunately for him, he doesn’t seem to have that choice. Neurotic Karen Effiel (Thompson) is his killer, even if unintentional. She is an author and her latest book is about an isolated man whose name happens to be Harold Crick. Some could say this was a coincidence. Well, that’s until they realise that everything she writes happens in real life to Harold…

Nominated and winner of many awards, the screenplay of this film is one that amazes all. No plot summary could do it justice as the story seems simple enough, but the collaboration between Foster and writer, Zach Helm, brings an unexpected life to the film that keeps audiences hooked. This is not to mention the impressive cast list. Where isn’t Will Ferrell these days? Despite this, some may call this his perfect role as he maintains his comic status while still delivering an unpredictably moving performance. One may credit it to that of Jim Carrey’s role in the Truman show. Emma Thompson surpasses herself as the eccentric novelist, showing off her range of acting ability (some may remember her from her Shakespearean role in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’), and doing well to cross the border from British films into Hollywood. The actor who is really worthy of applause is Dustin Hoffman. He shines with his comedic timing to boost the amusement of the lines given to him, supporting the work of Ferrell amazing well.

Some classic lines feature in the film which would have those who like to quote in a frenzy. For example, ‘I may already be dead, just not typed’ or “Let’s start with ridiculous and work backwards’ are just little tasters. There is also use of special effects to keep the viewer interested and keep to the dimensions of the new film-making era.

This film has the perfect mix of drama, comedy, romance and fantasy. It’s the sort of movie you could see with your lover, your friends or even a bunch of strangers. Although there are some tragic undertones, you’ll be laughing too much to notice.

Samilia Ekeocha