Directed By: Brad Silberling
Written By: Robert Gordon
Based On The Books written By: Lemony Snicket aka Daniel Handler
Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezski
Editor: Michael Kahn
Cast: Jim Carrey, Liam Aiken, Emily Browning, Meryl Streep, Timothy Spall, Billy Connelly, Catherine O’Hara, Cedric The Entertainer, Jennifer Coolidge, Luis Guzman, Jane Adams, Craig Ferguson, Lenny Clarke
Three children - Violet , Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire - are left orphaned when their house burns down, with their parents in it, in mysterious circumstances. They are left in the custody of a distant relative, Count Olaf. It is soon apparent that Count Olaf only cares about the children for their large inheritance.
This is the rare kids movie that one enjoyed for the most part, but more by design as it has more of a bleak outlook. It never talks down to the audience and tries to show more an intellectual and cleverness to the basics of a familiar fairy tale type story.
I could see the commercial aspects for this film, but it was a rather bold gamble as like most fairy tales it has a macabre innocence about life and adventure, but most are lightened and brightened when brought to the screen. This movie seems to keep it's dark heart in display with touches of innocence, but never succumbs too much to sentimentality.
That might be part of the problem is that it's not a Tim Burton production. Not that every sensational gothic children's film needs to be made by him, but what this film lacks is the sense of innocence, wonder and joy he brings to the material even when it is downtrodden. This seems more refined though organic.
He knows how to balance out the fantasy, the reality and the fantasy that can be infused.
This film is beautifully designed and directed it is a marvel to watch and it is entertaining but the film is always cloudy with despair as the story is already downtrodden and despite itself even when being fun and funny. It never seems to let itself go or even let a spark of joy be had for any amount of time. So it's like being with an exquisite person and in there company bit are constantly a Debbie downer to a degree.
The film is surrealistic in the best ways.
Jim Carrey's go for broke performance is exactly what is needed. His over the top stylings for the character of an egocentric failed actor who fails in his craft on the stage but excels at playing characters and fooling others. Using his thespian skills that seem to only work when he is focused and there is a goal.
It works as all the actors truly inhabit their roles so well that you can see they are having fun and it spreads in the reaction of the audience. Unfortunately as soon as you are getting to know them they depart the movie leaving a hole. Where as each new character and actor tries to inhabit it and top the others. It feels more like a film with a bunch of guest stars including Jim Carrey himself.
Seeing actors such as Billy Connelly and Meryl Streep of all people. She brings a certain prestige to anything she is attached to even in cameos. Though like Robert Deniro as they get older finding projects for themselves is getting harder and you see them more and more in commercial projects that refit from their presence even though they are above the material.
As this is supposed to be more a vehicle for him. It has all the same beats and even him supposedly playing many different characters, but while showing range the film isn't as wacky as most audiences are used to seeing him. It makes sense why he would take this role considering all the opportunities it opens up for him. It even fits his unpredictable nature these days of picking certain roles. Unfortunately for him it doesn't entirely work as a vehicle for him nor as a kids film. As it plays aimed at kids but the material feels more suited for teenagers.
The film was built like the books to be a series of films. As the ending has it's own happy ending but leaves room for sequels. Though it is good enough as a stand alone. An introduction of sorts that if interested in the story and the plight of these characters continue it by reading the book. So the film works almost as a booster or advertisement for the books more. As there are 21 books in the series. I almost even started reading the books myself. If I ever read the books but I know they contain the same mood. Just like the film they create their own world, though stay melancholy
One Wishes Brad Silberling made more films, as he has an artistic eye. Not his fault the movie didn't catch on with audiences as it is more of a downer with more a dark sense of humor. That seems like it would be more a film for adults. It’s a shame that this didn’t become a film franchise in it’s original design. Even though now it is a popular series on netflix
Though don't get me wrong this is an exceptional and enjoyable film. This seems like a film that would be more up Tim Burton’s sleeve and he was actually intending to make the film with Johnny Depp as Count Olaf but he dropped out and Johnny Depp left with him. Before Brad Silberling was given directing reigns of the movie Barry Sonnenfeld was going to direct the film.
It just seems to miss It's mark for those in the audience as it seems to be missing an ingredient for each.
Grade: B
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