THE WEATHER MANGore Verbinski, USA 2005
8.0
the film is an emotionally complex study of a mild and modest weatherman disconnected from his life. very down-to-earth, low-key, with controlled atmosphere, The Weather Man is not a comedy. the marketing strategy was, once again, trying to sell us something completely different. the stuff about David getting stuff thrown at him? yeah it's there, but it's used as something more profound than a simple joke. shame on them for thinking this film would not find its audience. the film does have some funny moments but it is not a loopy comedy as was advertised. what it is, though, is a surprisingly fine existential drama about an unambitious man trying to figure himself out and finding his place in life. the film's emotional core is reserved rather than being sentimental (it is never manipulative) and the few moving moments are borne out of honesty. Hans Zimmer also drives the film by keeping it in check with a very subdued score. other composers would have energized the film with bombastic moments but Zimmer only adds a slight click-track when he needs more drive. it is a very minimal but truly effective score. greatly appreciated. which segues into the other important aspect of the film - the cinematography. Phedon Papamichael shoots the film in worn out colors, mostly using grey tones. and it looks astonishing (especially on dvd). the winter settings couldn't have been more perfect for this cold and dreary story to take place and Papamichael makes full use of the Chicago and New York landscapes. brilliantly smooth, isolated, and detached look. i have no idea what director Gore Verbinski brings to a film. he doesn't seem to have a particular style, but he does seem to bring out some unique traits in his cast and crew because this film is tightly controlled. not overly so, never. but the subdued nature of the film is beautifully handled through every aspect. an entertaining film from everyone.
Posted by Anonymous | 3:14 PM
