Director: David Frankel
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 97
Year:
2016
Starring: Will Smith,
Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, Hellen Mirren, Keira Knightley, Naomi Harris,
Michael Peña, Jacob Latimore, Ann Dowd
I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 9: A FILM WITH EDWARD NORTON
Description: Retreating from
life after a tragedy, a man questions the universe by writing to Love, Time and
Death. Receiving unexpected answers, he begins to see how these things
interlock and how even loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty.
Review: For advertising man Howard, there are three main abstractions in life
that he not only proclaims as a pep talk to his co-workers, but reveals
themselves to himself after a tragic loss. He writes letters to each of them: love,
time and death. And he gets answers.
It’s orchestrated by his best
friends and co-workers, who can no longer watch how Howard is drowning in his
grief. They hire three actors, to portray love, time and death. And talk to Howard
about the letters he has written.
It’s a thoughtful act, but it
feels like more of a way to save their company then to actually help their
friend. There is so much misery to digest that cramming it into barely an hour
and a half is impossible. Many scenes feel rushed and unfinished. And there is
also this plot twist, that I kinda saw coming.
“Collateral Beauty” has an
interesting premise and the film is filled with amazing, talented actors.
Unfortunately, the film feels rushed and many characters are given background
stories, but are left underdeveloped. Some of the actors are underused and didn’t
really have much do to with their characters. Director David Frankel did so
little with everything that he had and turned it into an over-sentimental
forgettable drama.
Rating: 2,5/
5
