One Camera Angle, Zero Reasons to See It

Overview of “Here” Movie

Here opens in theaters November 1.

Robert Zemeckis’ film “Here” offers a unique cinematic experience by unfolding the lives of the Young family in a single living room over the course of the 20th century. This experimental approach uses frames-within-frames to transition between decades, providing glimpses of past and future occupants of the space. However, while the concept is intriguing, Zemeckis’ sentimentalism and over-reliance on technological enhancements, like de-aging effects, may hinder the overall impact of the film.

The Cast and Crew

The movie reunites Zemeckis with his Forrest Gump collaborators, featuring actors Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, screenwriter Eric Roth, composer Alan Silvestri, and cinematographer Don Burgess. Drawing on the roadmap of Richard McGuire’s graphic novel, the film explores the Young family’s journey through significant events in American history, from post-World War II to modern-day milestones.

Plot and Characters

“Here” delves into the lives of the Young family, particularly focusing on Al and Rose Young, their children, and the evolving dynamics within the household. As the narrative progresses through various time periods, we witness the struggles and aspirations of the family members, including themes of time and fleeting moments encapsulated in the living room setting.

Cinematic Presentation

Despite its ambitious concept, “Here” falls short in fully capturing the essence of McGuire’s comic. The single-camera angle limits the emotional depth of the performances, creating a disjointed viewing experience where transitions between eras feel obligatory rather than organic. The film compresses McGuire’s expansive exploration of human experiences into a narrow focus on American history, missing opportunities for deeper reflection.

Challenges and Critiques

While attempting to adapt an experimental comic into a dramatic film, “Here” struggles to maintain coherence and engage viewers on a visceral level. The surface-level exploration of complex themes, such as Native American history and racial dynamics, leaves much to be desired in terms of narrative depth and character development. The movie’s reliance on visual effects and its theatrical presentation detract from the emotional resonance that the source material aims to evoke.

Ultimately, “Here” comes across as a stylistic imitation rather than a transformative adaptation, lacking the formal experimentation and narrative progression necessary to enhance the original comic’s impact. With a focus on physical spaces over emotional depth, the film may leave audiences longing for a more immersive and resonant storytelling experience.