// The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a 2013 movie directed by and starring Ben Stiller. I hesitate to slap a genre label on it, because it could probably be put into a lot of different boxes: comedy, adventure, drama, romance. 

What you get isn’t a mishmash of genres, however, but a focused tale about a man learning to live life to the fullest.

// Point 1: It’s Got Heart

When you think of Ben Stiller in the earlier years, you probably think of comedy. Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, etc. While this was probably sold in part as a comedy, and certainly has those elements, it reaches beyond that.

Walter Mitty works for Life Magazine as one of the dudes who manages the negatives for their photos. He lives a very mundane life. He daydreams about doing all sorts of cool things to impress the crush he has at work.

While this premise definitely sets up a grab-bag of easy jokes to make at Walter’s expense – and it does here and there – it more often than not treats his character with respect. 

Walter doesn’t feel like a dork, just like a guy who is a little shy and a little awkward.

// Point 2: Cinematography

This movie is beautifully shot. From sweeping landscapes in Iceland to creative office composition not unlike those in Severance (more on that later), I was surprised by the artistry.

But, they’ve done more than simply create nice looking frames.

The use of colour reflects Walter’s journey throughout the movie. The movie begins with more muted and grey tones while he’s on his 9-to-5 grind. As he comes out of his shell, the world around him becomes more vibrant.

// Point 3: Severance-like

These days, you can’t throw a rock without hitting someone asking you if you’re up-to-date on Severance.

It’s good by the way, have you seen season 2 yet? You should watch it.

Ben Stiller is the primary director for Severance. Going back to watch The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, you can totally see some bits and pieces of proto-Severance DNA in there.

The earlier portions of the film show Walter as a company man showing up for work like he always does. While not identical to Severance, you can see how there are some connecting threads. Visually, some of the shots here feel a bit like testing the waters for what would eventually come.

Speaking thematically, you can also see some ties to the idea of there being two versions of yourself. The work you, and the “real” you. When Stiller was pitched the idea of Severance, it makes sense he would feel a connection.

We also have Adam Scott and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson making appearances. Ólafsson in particular was a lot of fun in this movie.

// Point 4: Adam Scott’s Beard

I pretty much summed up everything I wanted to say in the previous three points. So, I’ll use this fourth spot to point out Adam Scott’s absurd beard.

I can’t tell if it’s totally fake or just enhanced, but it’s absurdity it matches his character perfectly.

This was a shorter review than normal. I don’t have a lot of in-depth analysis to give here. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is just a very well-made movie with a lot of heart. You should definitely give it the time it deserves for a viewing.

Then go watch Severance. Are you up-to-date yet?