Review of I Am David (2003) by Zyla Ann A — 12 Nov 2006

[font=Arial][size=2]An extraordinary tale of human trial and triumph in the worst of times.

Life's circumstance oftentimes leaves the walking wounded, who carry their burden for the rest of their lives and never live again.

The wisdom in the author's Anne Holm?s book that sums up the movie comes in a few words. Most people are good, they just want to live their lives with their family and friends the best they can.

In this story, a boy is has only been exposed to mistrust and the worst of mankind, who has become angry in return, escapes both figuratively and literally that very dark place in life that some never escape.

In his travels, he learns the simple truth that people are mostly good and caring, and that in the end, heals his soul, and allows him to move on and live and not merely survive any longer.

The performances are extraordinary as well. Young Ben Tibber, as David, finds or creates that lost place in himself, that in- between place ,that David had languished in as a result of only seeing cruelty and man at his worst. As the story unfolds, Ben's David learns that he can drop his guard a little at a time along the way. But not until he happens upon Sophie, who is exquisitely and flawlessly played by Joan Plowright, does Ben open up, and become a child again.

Joan's Sophie is a wounded spirit, like David, who sees his anguish and with unconditionally love, helps him. ms. Plowright's talent and skill as an actor , are the epitome of the nobility and purpose of art. Whereas , Anne Holm told of the wonder of how just people being merely good can heal the most hideous atrocities of cruelty- of how the human spirit is universal and goodness is innate- Ms. Plowright transferred this profound message artfully from the page,in every glance, word, gesture and silence in her performance. Thanks to Paul Feig for knowing and allowing her and all the other actors to tell their parts from the heart.

Jim Caviezel as David's only friend in the horror that begins the story- while older- is both teacher and student to David. When David's anger and impulsiveness breaks free, Jim's Johann.

Listens knowingly to the boy's truthful frustration and registers a pang of its truth is in his eyes.

There is an magnificently played scene.

Between David, Johann and the Bulgarian guard, that , although no words are ever spoken, the connection and understanding conveyed between the guard and Johann is sublime- profound and haunting. It is truly a moment of movie magic that is as memorable as any I have seen, thanks to the talent and craft of all involved as well as for Paul Feig for settling for nothing less.

I am reminded of Paul Newman's silent message from his eyes at the very end of Cool Hand Luke.

I am not sure of the actor who played the guard, but his wordless performance in that seen, with only his eyes and minimal of almost imperceptible movements of his head to secretly and quickly convey both the most horrible and noblest moment in the movie to Johann, is as Oscar worthy as was Jim Caviezel's same caliber performance on the other end of this silent but most profound communication.

Subtlety is a rarity in films nowadays, but like life itself, it is in the silence that most often.

The profound revelations happen.

I have to say ,I challenge anyone not to come alive during the scene where Paul Feig shows, from a distance, that Sophie is pulling young David ever so quickly along after he finally allows the world and people in, and they, in the form of Sophie, do not hesitate , to love him and make things right.

Lastly, when David reconciles himself, with what could have been incapacitating guilt with what has happened to his friend Johann, with merely a look and a half formed smile, that was magic as well.

Thanks to everyone involved- from Anne Holm to Paul Feig,Ben Tibber, Jim Caviezel and Joan Plowright as well as all the supporting actors and crew who through their true artistry, brought this.

Inspirational message to life.- Jim Hagerty[/size][/font][size=2]- Westminster Maryland Nov 2006.

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