Here
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
When Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis’ name comes to mind, he may bring forward fond cinematic memories that range from Back to Future to Who Framed Roger Rabbit to Forrest Gump. His creative innovation in filmmaking has been celebrated. At the same time, many of his ventures have led many to malign his vision and deliver forgettable projects like Welcome to Marwen or Beowolf. Yet, no one can argue that this filmmaker enjoys pushing the boundaries of his trade, and this can be said of his latest project, Here, which reunites the Forrest Gump cast of Tom Hanks and Robin Wright.
What stands out about this film is that most of the story is told in one frame, which occurs in the home of multiple generations residing on this property in Pennsylvania. Through a series of photographic views, Zemekis travels from the world's creation to modern times to show how life impacted the residents of one home. As historical events occur outside of the residence of this house, the filmmaker focusses on the inhabitants of the residence with a particular emphasis on the life of Richard (Hanks) and Margaret (Wright) Young. The storyline travels through time to expose the common threads that connect each family that lived in the house, and the significance of personal history is more critical despite how the world continues to change around people’s lives.
Robert Zemekis brings back many of his old friends to help make Richard McGuire's graphic novel come alive. Their combined vision makes this artistry worth discovering. Framed as a continual overlay of history, this story holds an inevitable conclusion that unfolds throughout the ages and will grab audiences' hearts differently. The innovation may take some getting used to and sometimes confusing some viewers. Still, the overall experience is masterfully told as Hanks, Wright, Paul Bettany, and Kelly Reilly embrace their roles and prove that amongst the mess of life, there is a beauty to hold on to through each frame of time.
The critic's eye could be hard on applying modern CGI as it can distract from the overall message. Especially during those times in history that find the viewer in the ancient history of the indigenous population. This might be a fair critique, except that each frame moves through so quickly that the viewer doesn’t have enough time to think about it. Except this particular form of storytelling shows how cinema can still be artistic and entertaining. Here is a celebration of cutting-edge filmmaking and risk-taking that gets marginalised in this era inhabited by franchises and cookie-cutter productions. This film may not connect with many viewers in this modern age. Still, those willing to get along with this story will reward all willing to see the heart behind the fascinating means of storytelling.
REEL DIALOGUE: Creativity given to creatives by a Creator
Here offers a rich tapestry of themes for discussion, including family, sacrifice, and home. However, the focus of Reel Dialogue is innovation, a central element driving the film's narrative and artistic vision.
This production shows mankind's creativity from behind and in front of the camera. It also shows the innovative process of film directors and their teams to deliver new ways for people to be involved in the storytelling process. It is inspiring to see how creative individuals can continue to push the edge of expectation and deliver something new for audiences.
Looking at history and even the Bible, people have been continually taking society to new levels of invention. Many around the world would credit this desire to create as a family trait given to us by God.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good." Genesis 1
God began with nothing and brought forth, well, everything. This includes man and woman, and the Bible goes on to say that we bear His image. This may help to answer the question of why mankind is so innovative: because we take after our creator Father. It's in the family.
