The internet has been an interesting place to be the last few weeks. We are either solely focused on how adorable Baby Yoda from The Mandalorian has been or the talk of “Boomers”. Whether we agree with the generations before us or not, there are circumstances that connect us. Whether or not, they are the same or not. Multiple generations have experienced common themes such as death, hatred, kindness, etc. Even looking at one common fandom link between Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z is Star Wars. The fandom birthed in the late 70s and thanks to the prequels, and now Disney, the galaxy far, far away has soared to new heights. Even slasher films, in particular, could have the same argument. Thanks to classics like Black Christmas and Halloween, Generation X laid the foundation for slasher icons to invade the cinemas. Millennials ushered in a generation of remakes. While Generation Z has now given us pseudo sequels, rather than remakes, much like 2018’s Halloween.
Perhaps, more important, than slashers or fantasy – we’ve been given truly inspirational and authentic icons. Sesame Street turns 50 this year and has inspired multiple media facets. Arguably, even more, impactful than Elmo, though, would be a man in a sweater vest who asked one important question – won’t you be my neighbor? On February 19th, 1968, viewers were welcomed into a different kind of television show. A program led by Fred Rogers who addressed basic emotions and talked with children as adults. His message transcended generations that spoke to modern audiences back then and even current audiences as well. 50 years later after his television debut, his legacy transcends another form of media in a biopic called A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
Beautiful Day tells the story of a successful Esquire magazine writer, Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), who gets assigned to do a piece on the beloved television icon, Mr. Rogers (Tom Hanks). From its opening frames, the film quickly sets up its unique approach to its storytelling. The brilliance of Beautiful Day is its approach a humanizing story, while also paying homage to the source material of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The structure of the film weaves in and out of the beloved Neighborhood set while forging a redemptive character study of Vogel. The aesthetic of Beautiful Day makes it feel more like a Neighborhood episode. The atmosphere in which Marielle Heller creates is astonishing.
If you’re walking into Beautiful Day with the intention of seeing a Mister Rogers biopic, you’re going to be a little let down – just a little bit. While Rogers is a central character to the story’s narrative, the majority of the story lies upon the shoulders of Rhys. Even from our introduction during the opening segment’s with Mister Rogers – Lloyd Vogel is depicted as a man heavy with anger and bitterness. Throughout the duration of the film, Rhys invites viewers upon a journey of forgiveness and self-awareness. Rhys is wondrous within Beautiful Day. The character development and growth of Rhys is an incredible journey to watch unfold. The utter vulnerability and aggressive performance create a layer of brilliant reliability. The journey of Lloyd feels like a Neighborhood episode, which draws in another layer of brilliance.
It’s in that brilliance, that we meet Hanks. Hanks is in one singularly word – transformative. Thanks to last year’s Won’t You Be My Neighbor? – we were reminded of how powerful, genuine, gentle and authentic a figure like Fred Rogers was. While Beautiful Day perfectly captures the spirit of his iconic show, Hanks is one another level as its beloved host. Hanks completely disappears within the gentle nature of Fred Rogers. Creating a weird ghost-like figure within his scenes – it is truly haunting just how good Tom Hanks is within A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Absolutely perfection from his opening frame until his quiet silhouetted ending.
Overall, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, is indeed beautiful. A charmingly, unique viewing experience that operates more like an episode of Mister Rogers Neighborhood than actual film – deepening its charm. From its opening moments, viewers are thrust into the iconic neighborhood, as they embark on a compelling and beautiful redemption story. Beautiful Day has more to offer than a mere Mister Rogers biopic. On the contrary, this is an intimate character portrayal of redemption, forgiveness, bitterness, anger and all of the struggle that exists in between. All the themes that Fred Rogers discussed with us, all take shape and mold the course of the film – thanks to the character journey of Matthew Rhys. Rhys presents a vulnerable performance, thriving on intimacy, stigma, and beauty. Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers is the reason why we watch movies, to begin with. Hanks completely disappears into the role – existing only to remind us how real and authentic Mister Rogers truly is, was and will always be. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is perfection in every sense of the word. Despite whatever its source material would say – this is a must-see!
RORSCHACH RATING
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