Here: Messing Up History and the Human Timeline

Movie Info:

Reuniting the director, writer and stars of Forrest Gump, Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the most relatable of human experiences. Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Castaway, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Contact, Back to the Future) directs from a screenplay by Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, Killers of the Flower Moon, Dune, A Star is Born) and him. Told much in the style of the acclaimed graphic novel by Richard McGuire on which it is based, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright star in a tale of love, loss, laughter and life, all of which happen right Here.

Review:

In “Here,” Robert Zemeckis attempts to bring the intricate world of Richard McGuire‘s graphic novel to the screen. The source weaves together decades of history and personal stories within a single room. While Zemeckis excels in his technical prowess and visual storytelling, the film’s ambition often undermines its ability to deliver a cohesive and emotionally resonant experience.

The McGuire source is a masterpiece of non-linear storytelling. Zemeckis attempts to capture the essence of this concept with impressive CGI and set design, which unfortunately, doesn’t easily translates to a cinematic format. The constant time hopscotch often disrupt the narrative flow and make it a challenge for viewers to form emotional connections with the characters.

“Here” is more of a modern-day equivalent of Disney’s Carousel of Progress, which celebrated technological advancements and societal changes over time. The film just lacks the optimism and coherence of its Disney predecessor. The Carousel of Progress showed a clear, linear progression of human innovation, “Here” struggles to balance its ambitious narrative structure with the need for a clear, engaging storyline. The result is a disjointed experience that fails to evoke the same sense of wonder and continuity.

Zeneckis’ meticulous attention to detail in set design and historical accuracy is commendable. Yet, in its effort to encapsulate these fragmented time moments he loses sight of the personal stories and their significance. The space becomes a backdrop for a series of vignettes rather than a living, breathing entity that connects the characters with their histories.

The film’s reliance on visual cues to denote time periods is clever but insufficient. The rapid shifts constantly disorients.

Commendably the movie ambitiously tackles universal themes of love, death, marriage, and family. Unfortunately, it often falls short in fully fleshing out the characters who embody these themes. The time constraints and fragmented narrative leave little room for character development. The result is a series of shallow portrayals that fail to resonate on a deeper emotional level. While the film hints at profound connections and emotional moments, it rarely delves into the complexities of the characters’ lives.

Despite its shortcomings, “Here” offers a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of time and history. While it may not fully succeed as an adaptation or a cohesive narrative, it is a film that merits attention for its ambitious vision and technical achievements.

“Here” is a film that reaches for greatness but ultimately falls short. Its strengths lie in its visual storytelling and ambitious narrative structure that struggles to deliver a coherent and emotionally engaging experience. Fans of the graphic novel may appreciate the film’s dedication to its source material, but viewers seeking a more straightforward and emotionally satisfying story may find themselves disappointed.