Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

     For the past several years we as movie-goers have been subjected to an alarming number of adaptations. Whether it has been from a graphic novel, manga, children's book, or other literary work; it seems as if there are no longer any original thoughts in Hollywood. Especially when you think of films that are in fact remakes of a movie that was an adaptation of a play that was an adaptation of something else entirely. Nonetheless, it is happening and will continue to happen. The good news is that occasionally a truly great book to film adaptation is made. Great adaptations go above and beyond to bring the original piece to a vibrant and artful life. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is one of those great film adaptions.
     Directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours) Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is an adaptation of a novel with the same title. This film follows a nine-year-old loses his father in the September 11th attacks and his journey to to find the lock to a key that was left behind by his father. Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn) is incredibly close to his father Thomas Schell Jr. (Tom Hanks) and it almost seems as if no one but his dad understands him. Oskar is a jack of all trades; a self-proclaimed amateur inventor, jewelry designer, astrophysicist, tambourine player, and pacifist. The one thing that Oskar isn't is good at is being social. He's petrified of many things and the loss of his father sends him over the edge. A year after his father's death, Oskar embarks on a nearly impossible quest that he hopes will keep him from losing his only friend (his dad).
     The beauty of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is it's intimate perspective on how a single event can destroy so many lives. The imagery alone is enough to conjure powerful emotions for anyone that remembers or was affected by the attacks on the World Trade Center. There are many messages to be found within this artistic and emotional tale of family, loss, and love. Communication, self-expression, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are all subjects found within this film. Bolstered by a spectacular supporting cast featuring Sandra Bullock, Viola Davis, and Max von Sydrow, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close speaks to all generations and all ages. This is easily the first must-see movie event of the new year. I can only hope that 2012 will continue to deliver adaptations such as this one.

Rating: 5 (Maximum of 5) - Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is an incredibly emotional and poignant tale of a boy and his struggle to save the bond he had with his dead father