A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood (2019) dir. Marielle Keller

Written by Colin Wu

**No Spoilers ahead don’t worry :) **

"You know, death is something many of us are uncomfortable speaking about. But to die is to be human. And anything human is mentionable. Anything mentionable is manageable."

• Mr Rogers/Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

With Parasite, 1917, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood making noise in 2019 and 2020, it is not surprising to have films such as A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood slip under the radar. Following a cynical journalist played by Matthew Rhys called Lloyd Vogel, the film narrates his task of writing a profile piece on the beloved American television icon Mr Rogers - played by Tom Hanks. This encounter proves life-changing to Lloyd’s bleak perspective of the world and unhealthy relationship with his family. Barely knowing anything about the real-life Mr Rogers myself, the film still served as a touching reminder that it is never too late for self-growth. Through the introspective journey we take with Lloyd upon meeting the television figure, the importance of facing fears, anger, and family tension with honesty and empathy is stressed throughout.

According to a Variety article*, the editing choices were heavily influenced by the contemplative demeanour of the real-life Mr Rogers; I appreciated this. The medium to long takes was placed well and none of the cuts seemed unnecessary or jarring; presenting intimate studies of the characters' dispositions and inner turmoil. Anne McCabe, the editor, approached the film intending to reflect Mr Rogers’ patience which in turns translates to our own patience with the narrative. Why cut when you don’t need to? Hank's performance, the charming and warm score, and the occasional photographic compositions are also standouts. Ultimately Marielle Heller's - the director - consistent gentle treatment of the story compels with magnitude.

Unfortunately, most things are not perfect.

Where Mr Rogers felt mature as a character, Lloyd was a bit too stereotypical and dull. Sure, the whole point is to show how many ‘normal’ people Mr Rogers helped, but it also comes off as excessively romanticised and saccharine. Furthermore, the moral of the story at first glance feels profound, but it is possible for some viewers to see it as simply “don’t be an asshole and take a chill pill”. Though by no means is this solely the fault of Rhys or the film, it felt shy of being great, and this ‘what it could have been’ really bugs me.

Perhaps I am also Lloyd needing to find generosity and warmth for my cynicism and negativity. I think many of us can use a pick-me-up in movie-form after everything in 2020.

Variety Article about the editing in the film

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