Genre: Drama
Released: 2012
Rating: 
A lot of people have been asking me if this film is manipulative. That’s a great question because any film using the backdrop of 9/11, could potentially fall in to that category. Though, I feel that it’s how the film is presented to the audience from the beginning that determines the level of manipulation. Look at a film like “Marley and Me” or a film like “Remember Me”. “Marley and Me” was presented to the audience as a cute, family holiday flick that everyone could enjoy. The marketing had the cutest dog ever and the trailers made you laugh beyond belief. For people who hadn’t read the book, like myself, we were then treated to one of the most depressing, manipulative endings in the history of cinema. I walked out of that theatre drenched in my own tears.
»Watch the Interview with Sandra Bullock
“Remember Me” (spoiler alert) falls in to the “Marley and Me” category in the sense that the entire film was moving along like a normal film. Then, all of a sudden, the ending is a 9/11 sequence. It completely took me off guard and I was definitely emotionally moved. Though, I was only moved because of the extremely manipulative bait and switch. See, all movies are manipulative. A film’s score is supposed to manipulate you in to feeling something. Though, that manipulation becomes a factor when it’s presented to you in an false way at first and then thrown at you for no apparent reason.
“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” tells you what it’s going to be from the beginning. Yes, the use of 9/11 is still under the the “too soon” category in movies for me but in this particular film, I thought it worked. I did have some major issues with the opening shot of the film and the use of actually showing the two towers but that became a back drop to this adventure story. I guess the question is why did they have to use 9/11 in the 2005 book and now the film. Well, it’s a New York based story and it’s a tragedy that everyone in that city and the world was touched by. This young boy lost his father and everyone could relate to that. It worked with the story but I wouldn’t call it a necessary story point. The only 9/11 film that I thought was actually necessary was Paul Greengrass’ “United 93″, which told a story that not a lot of people hear about.
That all being said, Stephen Daldry has created a deeply emotional film with beautiful performances and cinematography. You will be crying for the entire two hours but it’s truly a fascinating experience. Thomas Horn plays Oskar, a young boy, who after losing his father during the 9/11 attacks, finds a key in his father’s closet. The moment he finds this key, the adventure is set in motion. Oskar takes it upon himself to travel all throughout New York City, looking for the lock that fits this key. Throughout his journey, he encounters so many extraordinary people including a friend that helps him along the way, played by Max Von Sydow. Meanwhile, his mother (played by Sandra Bullock) is having a hard time dealing with the fact that her son hates her and that she lost her husband (played by Tom Hanks).
This is a tough film to review because it’s not an easy film to watch. In fact, it’s rather painful. Though, once the film ended, I walked out and called my dad to tell him how much I loved him. That is how much the film impacted me. It makes you appreciate what you have around you and you should never forget it. Give the film a chance but just know that it will emotionally drain you, hence the 4 BDK rating.