Plot: What’s it about?
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
– Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
I first heard those words when sitting in a movie theater in Chicago, IL back in 1986. At the time, as a 13 year-old boy, I can honestly say that I didn’t give more than two seconds thought to that phrase. But, typing this now as a person in his early 50’s, it resonates. And, when you think about it, it’s oddly poignant. We’re on Earth for the blink of an eye. Some of us might be “lucky” enough to live to see 100 years old (though I can’t imagine it’d be all it’s cracked up to be) and others are cheated out of things due to circumstances beyond their control. It happens, but it’s also what we call life. Based on the short story by none other than Stephen King, we find The Life of Chuck. And before I delve into the somewhat linear plot, it’s also a not so subtle reminder that even for someone with the moniker “The Master of Horror”, that some of King’s best works aren’t horror at all. Films like The Shawshank Redemption, Stand by Me and The Green Mile represent some of the most heartwarming and endearing performances put on screen.
The plot happens in reverse with the aptly-named Act III. We see the world on the verge of collapse. Literally. California is falling into the ocean, the internet is gone and things aren’t what they were. We meet a teacher, Marty Anderson (Chiwetel Ejiofor), estranged from his ex-wife, Felicia (Karen Gillan). There are signs all around town thanking an accountant named Chuck (Tom Hiddleston) for his “39 Years of Service.” We don’t know what that means and/or why he’s being thanked. The film then transitions to Act II where we finally do meet Chuck. He’s normal, looks like a “boring businessman” but is then overcome with the urge to cut loose and dance set to the beat of a street drummer’s rhythm. We learn that some of life’s little pleasures might be found in the smallest moments and that a ten minute dance in the street might derive more pleasure than the most well-articulated, expensive vacation. Finally, we go further back in time to Act I where we meet Chuck as a child (Benjamin Pajak), the loss of his parents and his grandparents (Mark Hamill and Mia Sara). The awkward kid who longs to be accepted, his curiosity and the ability to fend off school bullies and dance with the most beautiful girl in school.
I’ll say it again below, I’m sure, but there are likely two ways to go into this film. Any fan of King’s work will no doubt be familiar with this. The second, which I’d recommend, is to go in blind. The film carries some great performances by some very talented actors. And the movie can be considered sad or uplifting depending on your perspective. I’m a fan of how the story was told as well. Director Mike Flanagan has done a great job adapting King’s work and it’s not his first foray into this territory. Viewers might also recognize his talent from King’s Doctor Sleep, the sequel to my favorite horror movie of all-time – The Shining. Go to any AirBNB house and you’ll likely see a poster or wooden-esque mural on a wall that says “Live, Laugh and Love.” It’s easy to roll your eyes at such a cliché, but you know…maybe take it at face value.
Video: How’s it look?
The film is told in three parts and it would stand to reason that the varying aspect ratios represent a different segment for each Act. We go from wide to narrow (or narrow to wide depending on your perspective) with a 2.39:1, then a 2.0:1 and finally a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Regardless of how much of the image fills up your screen, it’s what’s on it that counts and every single frame simply bursts with color, clarity and contrast. The first segment (Act III) seems to have a darker tone to it with the second Act being the most bright and colorful (once you see it, you’ll know why) and finally a more subdued color palette rounds out the movie. Flesh tones are spot on, black levels are strong and detail is razor sharp. In short, there’s not a single thing wrong with the way this looks.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The DTS HD Master Audio mix doesn’t get a lot of opportunities to flex its muscle, but they’re there – you’ve only but to listen for them. The first and third acts are the most dialogue heavy, with the second really utilizing all of the sound in its song and dance number (yep, you read that right). Vocals are spot on, surrounds are used albeit sparingly and we get a nice, even, great-sounding mix. Would Dolby Atmos sounded better? Probably. But that’s not the point.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – Director Mike Flanagan gives a very warm, endearing and heartfelt commentary track and manages to throw in plenty of deprecating remarks. I like this guy. Well I like anyone who has the ability to make fun of themselves. He gives us plenty of insight about the film, the source material and the expansive cast that made this film work.
- The Making of The Life of Chuck – Pretty much that. The obligatory featurette shows us some behind the scenes footage, working from King’s short story and the cast and crew as they embark on this film.
- Interviews – Each of the film’s Act’s “stars” are interviewed with Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mark Hamill. The three are obviously very experienced performers and tell us what led them to their respective roles, their approach and working with material from the master of horror himself – Stephen King.
- Theatrical Trailers
The Bottom Line
Going into this film blind is the best way to experience it. I had no idea that this was a product of Stephen King nor what the format of the film was. I saw the cast and it raised an eyebrow and though I’m not the most emotional person in the world, it nearly brought a tear to my eye. It’s a joy to watch. The Blu-ray looks perfect, sounds nearly as good and features enough supplements to warrant a purchase.
