Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” stars Thomas Horn, Sandra Bullock, Tom Hanks, Max Von Sydow, Viola Davis and Jeffrey Wright in this interesting and in depth study of a young boy’s coping, or at least trying to cope, with the loss of his father who was killed in one of the towers on September 11. Under Stephen Daldry’s direction of the screenplay written by Eric Roth, the 129 minute film seems a bit drawn out at times. However, thanks in no small part to the exemplary acting of first time performer, Thomas Horn, the audience is able to understand and experience how this precocious boy tries to make sense of and identify with the loss of his father. Remembering that Master Horn was selected by the producers and director after seeing him appear as a contestant on the game show “Jeopardy”, one is even more astounded at the skill and craft of this young performer. A difficult subject that could easily be made maudlin, the film keeps a balance between a widow/mother’s burden and the significant emotions confronting her son. Of special note is the performance of Max Von Sydow who, although never saying a word in the film (his character cannot speak) exhibits and displays the kind of emotions that a verbose thespian speaking paragraphs could never hope to achieve or communicate. I give this film 3 stars if, for no other reason, the performances of Messrs. Horn and Von Sydow and the direction by Mr. Daldry who must take credit for being responsible for what these actors were able to achieve and bring to the screen.