Just after a mediocre play opens, “Peter Pan” author J.M. Barrie
(Johnny Depp) needs inspiration in the midst of a frosty marriage.
Victorian England’s social mores prove constrictive when that
inspiration does arrive in the form of the four boys of Sylvia
Llwellyn-Davies (Kate Winslet). The resulting masterpiece has left
its mark on the imagination of children for generations.
CRITIQUE
It would be too easy to latch onto a pedophilic aspect to the story
of J.M. Barrie and his “Neverland.” That’s not what this film is
about. There are genuinely effective themes explored in this family
drama that have nothing inappropriate about them. Excellent
performances from Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, and child star Freddie
Highmore strengthen an already literate, melodramatic script and pitch
perfect direction in Finding Neverland.
Those themes I mentioned integrate into each other seamlessly
thanks to the dialogue and Marc Forster’s directorial choices. Two
themes seem most obvious to me: the use of imagination as a coping
mechanism and artistic inspiration. Barrie
writes Peter Pan as a result of his relationship with the boys but he
also gives them Neverland as a place to imagine when life is too
incomprehensible. In what is probably a fictional conceit, we are told
that Barrie created Neverland for himself when his older brother died
and his mother was inconsolable. At the end of the film he tells
little Peter (Highmore) that the way to Neverland is to “Just
believe.” This film places a value on imagination and childhood wonder
and innocence that is refreshing and affecting. Needless to say, that
makes this a family film of unexpected quality and resonance in
today’s terror-focused world.
The fanciful production design of the “imagination” scenes and the
Peter Pan performance is just one of the ways Forster and his team
have given dimension to these themes. Jan A.P. Kazmarek’s
Oscar-winning score is a standout as well. I particularly noticed the
end sequences of music. This is also the section of the film where
Forster makes good use of dissolves and the rhythmic editing features
one sequence where he intercuts between two characters’ responses to a
dinner party to compare them.
Depp and Winslet have by now become the greats of their generations
and this film will be one of the highlights of their careers. Winslet
is luminously maternal and Depp a marvel of repression in direct
contrast to his flamboyance as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the
Caribbean. Oscar-nominated for both, Depp is sure to actually win one
soon. Winslet herself has been nominated now four times without a win.
(And Hilary Swank has won two? Don’t get me wrong, she deserved them
but Winslet is way past due.) Child actor Freddie Highmore will
devastate people in that final scene. And I haven’t even mentioned
Dustin Hoffman and Julie Christie. These actors, themes that stir the
emotions, and memorable direction: yes, an exemplary movie experience
indeed. Plus, the intimacy of home viewing may make this film all the
more effective.
THE VIDEO
The neutral palette of Forster’s vision translates well to this
anamorphic widescreen format.
THE AUDIO
That wonderful score is well served by the Dolby Digital 5.1
format. Also offered are French and Spanish language tracks and
English, French, Spanish subtitles.
THE EXTRAS
Commentary by Director Marc Forster, screenwriter David McGee and
producer Richard Gladstein:
These three provide a very interesting track. They have a nice rapport
and they provide a lot of interesting information about the filming
process, such as certain location problems. They also praise the
actors of course and I like the information they reveal about using
the actual dialogue recorded on set for the final scene and the way
the great ending credits music was achieved. Definitely worth a
listen.
Deleted
Scenes:
There are three included here, none extended from the ones in the
film. I like them, especially the humorous moments between Depp and
Winslet in one (she says he could be replaced by a donkey!), and Depp
and youngest Davies boy Luke Spill in another.
The
Magic of Finding Neverland:
This is a making-of featurette, with the usual interviews-and-clips
format. This one is longer than most making-of featurettes and there
are sections focused on Depp and Winslet, incorporating clips from
their previous films. Good overall.
Creating Neverland:
The film’s visual effects are the topic of this too-brief featurette.
The notable soaring crane shot at the opening performance of Peter Pan
gets most of the discussion and is interesting enough to have
warranted a longer featurette.
On the
Red Carpet:
This featurette covers the premiere of the film with footage and
interviews from the actors, director, and producers. Fun viewing.
Outtakes:
A series of bloopers and mishaps on the set. An amusing reel.
Trailers: A few for Miramax releases but not one
for this film.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Give the entire family a tribute to imagination and a moving story
with the added bonus of Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet in Finding
Neverland. This is just a quality mainstream
Hollywood production in every aspect. The DVD presentation adds
special features, the only drawback of which makes you wish there were
more.
