Walden

Author(s): Matt
Location: Illinois

"Walden"

Directed By: Mike Nichols
Screenplay By: Sophia Coppolla
Produced By: Ron Howard and Brian Grazer
Edited By: Mike Hill and Dan Hanley
Costumes Designed By: Arianne Phillips
Original Score By: Howard Shore

Principal Cast:

Jonathon Rhys Meyers as Henry David Thoreau
Ryan Gosling as James London
Neve Campbell as Marie Ann London
Shia La Beouf as Francis Derekson
Catherine Keener as Sarah Jones
Abigail Breslin as Jessica Lee Jones
Daniel Craig as Zachary Jones

Tagline: “One Man Turned his Life from a Biography into a Story"

Synopsis: During the 1830’s, everything and everyone seemed to be in a constant and conformed state. This was especially the case in Boston, Massachusetts. Women were expected to fit the mold that their mother and grandmothers had set for them. So, Marie Ann Samson found a steady man, with a great job at a printing press. She wasn’t in love, but she felt pressure from her family, and society, in general. James London, on the other hand, was very much in love. He too felt the need to fit the norm, but he accepted that, and was pleased to have found such an amazing woman, in Marie. James London’s friend from grade school, Henry David Thoreau had other plans.

Henry David Thoreau was a bit of a rebel, and was a bearer of transcendentalist views. Such views enabled him to think outside the box, and outside the boundaries that the Boston public had set for other citizens. However, on Independence Day in 1834, Thoreau couldn’t take it anymore. Everywhere he looked throughout the town, the elders, the married couples, and even the children were conforming. It didn’t even appear that they were living their lives, but rather taking the necessary steps to happiness and success. Henry didn’t want to end up like his neighbors. That night, he retreated into the forest, which surrounded much of Boston, and wasn’t seen by many for almost two years.

Over the course of his two year absence from society, traditional values, and unoriginal thought, Henry David Thoreau did have some contact with the outside world. A younger man, Francis Derekson, had heard about the legend of a man fleeing into the forest and was intrigued. He too entered the forest, and began searching for Thoreau. Francis came across a half-built cabin and Henry. The two made a deal. Francis was to help Thoreau finish construction of his home, and in return, Henry promised to offer insight and special ideas to the boy. For about three weeks, Francis Derekson went back and forth from Boston to the forest. Every day, he changed more and more because of the beliefs of Thoreau. Once the house was fully constructed, Francis and Thoreau never spoke again. But, Henry David Thoreau’s voice remained with Francis, who diverged from society’s ideals, befriending black men and acting in other “unacceptable” ways.

Henry remained in touch with his friend, James London, too. On many occasions, London would bring his companion Marie to dinner at Thoreau’s forest hideaway. After each encounter, Marie would feel a stronger connection to Henry. She respected and praised his desire to shun society and conformity. Marie was sick of dealing with her loveless relationship with James. Plus, she had to overcome the pressure from her sister, Sarah, who was married to a highly regarded man, Zachary. Marie didn’t want the life that her sister led. Eventually, visits to Thoreau’s cabin began to be a solitary experience for Marie. She would sneak away from James in order to be alone with Henry. There appeared to be a mutual attraction between Sarah and Henry, but it never developed into a full-blown affair. The two discussed love, expectation, and hope. Sarah eventually called off her relationship with James.

In June of Thoreau’s second year, he felt that he had absorbed all that the forest could give him. He had lived life deliberately, and with a purpose. Now, it was time for him to move on. Boston just wasn’t the place for Thoreau. Instead of returning, he decided to settle in a small village. There, Henry David Thoreau found writing and penned stories, such as Walden, about his time in the forest. His writings continued to affect people’s beliefs, like he had done with Francis and Sarah.

What the press would say:

Walden is a wonderful and whimsical film; it is the year’s best. This is in large part because of the outstanding crew. Mike Nichols was the perfect director to take on Walden, and he proved it. The film is put together in such a style that is groundbreaking and new. It is a biopic, but it is still somewhat fictionalized. Walden cannot be defined in any other way. It is unique. A lot of its distinction is due to the story. Sophia Coppolla wrote a screenplay that was interesting, exciting, and in the genre that she does best. She is great at writing stories surrounding a central character that is “lost.” Henry David Thoreau was in many ways that character. Jonathan Rhys Meyers brings the character to life better than any other actor could. It is the performance that Academy Awards were made for. Without Meyers, Walden would not be the amazing film that it is. Other contributors include Neve Campbell, Ryan Gosling, and Shia La Beouf. Neve Campbell makes the comeback of the year. She hasn’t had any major roles since The Company a few years ago. In Walden, Campbell confirms that she can act and that she shouldn’t take such long breaks in between films. Ryan Gosling, hot off Half Nelson, deserves the Best Supporting Actor award. He’s versatile and can pull of the caring, and still the suspicious persona. Shia La Beouf cannot be forgotten. He has really grown as an actor. La Beouf showed his skill earlier in Holes and Bobby, and with Walden, he takes that skill to the next level. He was great. Shia La Beouf and Jonathan Rhys Meyers had great chemistry. After adding together all of the great things Walden has to offer, it is without a doubt a classic and the best film of the year.

Possible Award Nominations
Best Picture
Best Director: Mike Nichols
Best Adapted Screenplay: Sophia Coppolla
Best Actor: Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Best Supporting Actor: Ryan Gosling
Best Supporting Actor: Shia La Beouf
Best Supporting Actress: Neve Campbell
Best Costume Design
Best Editing
Best Original Score