The Majestic STARRING: Jim Carrey, Martin Landau, Laurie Holden, Allen Garfield, Bruce Campbell, Amanda Detmer, Daniel von Bargen |
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Steven Snyder |
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| The Majestic is a big old pot of sap. But, its good sap and it works. It’s the story of a Hollywood writer (Jim Carrey), who is black listed because someone thinks they see communist propaganda in one of his scripts and then, as he drives drunk the day of the accusation, has a car crash, washes up on a beach, and remembers nothing. He is welcomed into a small town that believes him to be the son of a movie theater owner, a son believed to be killed during World War II. They welcome him with open arms and then, as is never in doubt, his past catches up with him. There are so many moments that will cause the cynical to roll their eyes. As this distraught father thanks the heavens for his son’s return, as Carrey meets the women his alter-ego was to marry after the war, and as character after character offers their entire hearts to this mystery man, those who are open to it will be touched. What I kept thinking of, as I wiped away occasional tears, is how this seemed fake. But, then again, maybe it seemed like things I’ve seen before because these are the emotions that really matter and have inspired scripts for decades. The notions of loss, love, returning home, and dignity in the face of pressure are real emotions and they’ve been put on the screen before. As Carrey must conceal his identity to a man on his deathbed, we feel bad for both—understand his misdeed and his need to continue the charade. Many have said this is a tribute to Capra films of the past—those that were all about idealistic situations, great people, and feel-good moments. Well, that is indeed what “The Majestic” is. Just as this years “The Last Castle” attempted to bring out the best of people under diress, “The Majestic” attempts to make the best of everyone at every time. Jim Carrey, once again, proves himself to be an amazing dramatic actor. While recent best actor awards have gone to people playing parts that break from the norm, Carrey’s performance here is of a nice guy caught in a mess that wasn’t his fault. His eyes, his smile, the subtle tension with which he realizes his true identity are engrossing. In a script that hits emotional high after emotional high, his consistency is the reason for the quick passage of time rather than a movie that drags with overbearing emotions. Director Frank Darabont is true to the script, in showing a fantasy world that seems more idealistic than realistic. He creates so many beautiful moments that show us so much about the characters, including a scene describing the magic of movies which, to this film lover, generated goose bumps. While the finale never quite lives up to its promise, and is a climactic orgasm of love and good cheer, the same could be said about “It’s A Wonderful Life,” or “Singin’ In the Rain.” This is a movie about the best in people and the way we wish the world could be. Just as a main character in this movie describes it, movie theaters are a place where you can walk in, leave your troubles at the door, and watch these characters become alive. Returning to a 10 degree Minneapolis December after “The Majestic,” I had a smile on my face and cheer in my heart. Was this film sappy? Yes. Was it realistic? Likely not. But, even cynics must admit, this film is not about the plot or its realism, but about emotional highs, moments of inspiration, and a continuous stream of hope. Some movies enlighten, others thrill, some just aim to entertain. “The Majestic” belongs to the latter. Elitists beware.
Comments by David Johnson
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(out
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