Review of Wakefield (2017) by Chris O — 11 Aug 2017

A getaway, an escape, something in the back of all our minds, brought to the big screen.

In Robin Swicord's adaptation of E.L. Doctorow's short story, successful suburbanite commuter Howard Wakefield (Bryan Cranston) takes a perverse detour from family life: He vanishes without a trace. Hidden in the attic of his carriage house garage, surviving by scavenging at night, Howard secretly observes the lives of his wife (Jennifer Garner) and children and neighbors. WAKEFIELD becomes a fraught meditation on marriage and identity, as Howard slowly realizes that he has not in fact left his family, he has left himself.

After seeing the first trailer for this film, I was immediately sold. This film takes a small idea that's popped into all of our heads in one way shape or form, and it took it to an entirely new level. I mean, realistically, who wouldn't want to just take some time off and disappear? You know, throw away your obligations, live your own life, and disconnect from society. Basically, Bryan Cranston's character, Howard, shows us what that'd be like. In all, I'd say I really enjoyed this film.

I'm a big fan of Bryan Cranston. I think that he did a great job in this film, plain and simple. He's your everyday kind of guy who goes to work, lives in the suburbs, and has a family. He's in a situation where many people can familiarize themselves with. His relationship with Jennifer Garner, AKA Diana, is also really interesting. This film delves into relationship problems and situations that I completely understand. I think it was a nice look and an interesting approach into the difficulties that come with a relationship, especially jealously.

The screenplay is fairly simple. It's pretty unrealistic in a sense. I mean, seriously, could you really get away with hiding in your garage? Maybe, but it's not taken over the top. This film knows exactly what it is and although you do have to take a step back sometimes, I think they did a good job of illustrating the situation at hand and making it work.

The script had a good mix of some little bits of comedy, along with a well written story with some touching moments. I think there are a handful of underlying messages that you'd be able to take away from this film. There were a couple scenes, especially one involving and interaction between Howard and two kids, that really stick with you. This movie is done very well in that remark, and it makes the situations even more memorable.

The ending was one of those things where I really wanted to see it play out and figure out what exactly happens but at the same time, I think it ended how it should've. The whole story is pretty crazy in my mind, so there's that little part of me that would've liked to have seen more. But in reality, if they did show us more, it probably would've broken the story and ruined it. They took this film in a nice direction and overall, I would say I was satisfied from beginning to end.

In conclusion, "Wakefield" is a nice indie flick, one that will probably fly under the radar for most. But if you do get a chance to see it, I would definitely give it a try.