The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Okay, so this movie has a soft spot in my heart and is one of my latest encounters. To me, this film is one for the photographers, the artists and the filmmakers. In other words folks this story was beautiful. Honestly, I don't think anyone could have played the role of "Walter Mitty" better than Ben Stiller- who by the way directed this as well. His humble awkwardness really shone through to create such a wonderful and likeable character.

Walter, is a man who spends his days daydreaming about things he could have done or better yet creating better versions of unpleasant situations in his head to past time. Now, it's isn't that Walter is a miserable, unhappy guy. He is actually quite content. He is stuck in this routine where he feels safe but never builds up the courage to step out of his bubble very often.

Walter works as the negative assets manager for a magazine called "Life".  He has a very close relationship with a photo journalist whose work is renowned and is used by the magazine for covers. Although they've never met, Sean O'Connell (the journalist who is played by Sean Penn) trusts Walter with his work. So, on an ordinary day Walter receives a package from Sean with some new negatives. He also sends him a wallet and a note which states that negative number 25 should be the magazines cover because it captures it's essence. 

But there's a problem- negative 25 is missing.

After being notified that the magazine's latest issue will be it's last, Walter is pressed for time to recover the missing negative. Walter's manager is on his back 24/7 about it- only he doesn't know that it's missing.  So with the help of his co-worker/crush Cheryl ( Kristen Wig) and the other pictures from the roll, Walter sets out on a quest to find Sean and retrieve the negative. And this in itself takes him on a journey he never expected which allows him to live for the very first time. 

Throughout his quest, Walter has only he negative on his mind but the true beauty of this film is the way in which his conservative and cowardice nature begins to unravel; allowing him to blossom  into a pretty bad-ass dude. 

The one thing that definitely holds your attention in this film is the cinematography. It is so gorgeous and riveting that your eyes refuse to leave the screen for a second. It holds your attention and allows you to recognize just how beautiful the world is. It basically makes you want to pack your bags and travel!

  

I refer to this brilliantly directed film as divine. I feel as if it feeds your soul and sends you the message that , "If you want to live, then live." The ending to this story is very important- I mean if you want to know what picture generates from negative 25. I guarantee that you will feel happy and baffled at the same time when this masterpiece concludes. 

If you don't smile at least once then you my friend, are the grinch!