Here's another review of PLEASANTVILLE from Toronto. God, I love these film festivals! A really good one starts up in Austin the 1st of October with a strong leaning towards the screenwriting end of the industry. Eight days of well written classic, current, and future films with dozens of writers here to express their views on the industry, the internet, and anything else you can think of, Father Geek can't wait. But back to the current subject, Toronto and their excellent film festival, The Subway Bear files the following report from the land of the Moose & Maple leaves...
I know you're seeing this film in a few days anyways, but I just saw the premiere at the Toronto Filmfest, and I had to drop a few words on it.
It is fantastic. Let me qualify this, it is obviously Hollywood, and slightly overblown, maybe a bit melodramatic, but I loved this movie. And for Gary Ross (screenwriter of Big, and Dave) to make this as his directorial debut is phenomenal.
The story is basic, two kids get transported through a TV set to a 50s style sitcom in black and white called "Pleasentville", then start to cause havoc, and let colour into the world.
This film reminded me for some reason of the Truman Show. It is speaking metaphorically of a lot of big issues, at the same time as being utterly cool, and really funny. Truman Show had very funny parts, Pleasantville I venture has more, especially with Don Knotts as a slightly deranged TV repairman.
Great writing, great directing, outstanding special effects, even good acting, hell, sometimes great acting. William H. Macy (of Fargo fame) was perfect, Jeff Daniels in a role to rival his role in The Purple Rose of Cario, the mother (whose name I forget) was also a delight, and all of the young actors were at top form as well. And the film is ripe with allusions to greats of the past for the eager film buff. This film will be a hit!
The Subway Bear signs off again, with a crossed finger or two for meeting Bryan Singer tomorrow at Apt Pupil. Cross cross, finger finger.
