Little Miss Sunshine, 2006
This is clearly the modern family, the mother Sheryl (Tony Collette) walks in the house with take-out chicken in the car and they set the table with plastic plates - even with one scene it’s becomes evident that she is a working mother with a lot on her plate. Dinner brings about an array of different topics of discussion but particularly the subject of Uncle Frank's (Steve Carrell) attempted suicide which is honestly explained and discussed to the young Olive (Abigail Breslin). Olive despite the gloom of the subject matter maintains her innocence and demonstrates both curiosity and a child's understanding of the situation and instinctive (surprising for such a young girl) comforting Uncle Frank. The dinner scene essentially builds and develops characters easily and as the audience we have a pretty good idea how each character is like.
The most interesting and commendable aspect of this film is that its incredibly real, you believe the characters and even tho you can pretty much figure out what these characters are like from the first couple scenes but you see a little more about them as the film progress. Yes, in general the characters don't change much but you do see something really special about them. A commonality with all the characters despite them being different is how much they care for Olive. Each one of them sacrifices something that is worth a lot to them for Olive. As if to hold on to a piece of innocence that Olive seems to radiate. The character of Olive is just completely lovable, cute, positive and well behaved child who lives in her little bubble of innocence - which is incredibly charming. Abigail Breslin as Olive was just a delight to watch she brings warmth and likability that is really difficult to achieve, even adult actors may struggle with. In general all the actors and the characters were likable and had their own individuality yet remained quite charming. I was particularly surprised and impressed by Steve Carrell's character Frank, a self-confessed know-it-all yet with real major psychological issues and Carrel shows depth with Frank and that there is a lot going in his mind but he is recovering. I like it because this is so different from Carrel's other roles particularly because he is usually boxed into his character in the Office and everyone starts to think he can only do that sort of crazy, obnoxious characters and has that standard type of comedy. But clearly that isn't true.
As much I really enjoyed this film I can see that it may be not everyone's cup of tea. When I first watched this film I really enjoyed it but I felt that it was a little too simple and many would find it slightly boring as there isn't a constant action or drama or even the usual toilet humour that we are use to. But with a second screening, I like it more, there is depth and the plot may be a little thin but it was definitely balanced by the really interesting and likable characters. You have to be patient with the film and let is really sink into you and you find that it's a really funny film and not just a drama piece. At face value it may not seem much but it’s definitely worth a watch.
Screen Adventure
great post!
Filmsi
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