Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

"If it isn't difficult to find it is not worth finding."

Oskar (Horn) loves to go on scavenger hunts: looking for clues and solving problems.  He has a lot of fear and has a difficult time talking to people.  To help with Oskar's fear, his father Thomas (Hanks) creates scavenger hunts that force Oskar to talk to people and confront his fears.  When Thomas is killed on September 11, Oskar's world collapses.

While trying to hold onto the memory of his father, Oskar finds a mysterious key in his father's closet.  The key doesn't fit any of the locks at home, so Oskar believes it leads to a final quest from his father.  His only clue is the envelope that held the key, with the name "Black" written on it.  With his Grandma (Caldwell) standing by, and the silent Renter (von Syndow) helping with the search, can Oskar solve his father's final mystery?


Despite lots of early hype, it has tapered off since premiering.  I'm not sure why... while the trailers were o.k., the film is good.  In fact, it is very good.  It grips your emotions from the beginning.  You want Oskar to find the answer, to find some joy and purpose in life... especially after the devastation of September 11.

The character of Oskar is interesting, not entirely likeable at first... but he grows on you.  Thomas Horn makes him accessible, while still showing his differences, i.e. potential Aspergers.  But the stand-out performance is Max von Sydow, who delivers a compelling performance without speaking.  With hand tattoos that read "Yes" and "No" and a tablet and sharpies, he is the most interesting character.  Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock are good as the parents; Hanks is sentimental and fun, while Bullock is devastated and defeated.  The rest of the cast is comprised of short episodes / interactions with members of the "Black" family.  The standout is Viola Davis (who is having a great year), who makes the most of her short sequence.

I can understand why this film would not resonant with many people, but I think it works.  Is it the best film of the year?  No, but it is a strong entry.  It is also an emotional film, that left some audience members in tears.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)129  minutes
Rating: PG-13 for emotional thematic material, some disturbing images, and language
Director: Stephen Daldry
Starring: Thomas Horn as Oskar Schell
Tom Hanks as Thomas Schell
Sandra Bullock as Linda Schell
Zoe Caldwell as Oskar's Grandma
John Goodman as The Doorman
Max von Sydow as The Renter