A Man Called Otto – REVIEW
Image: Tom Hanks stars in A Man Called Otto. Image: film still
This comedy-drama which is a remake of the highly successful Swedish film A Man Called Ov centers on a bitter old lonely man and could surprisingly be the feel good sleeper hit of the festive season!
Tom Hanks stars as an elderly widower who has taken redundancy and settles into retirement. He stopped living when his wife died stating that “there was nothing before and nothing after her”. Hostile in demeanour, pedantic and set in his ways, he is also a law abiding citizen and expects the same from others. He has tried to take his life several times to no avail.
But all this is about to change when a friendly Mexican family move in across the road and a wonderful friendship builds between them, especially with the very pregnant Masisol the somewhat zany and loving wife who is blessed with a loving husband and 2 adorable daughters.
Through flashbacks audiences slowly learn of Otto’s past and the enormous love he felt for his wife. It’s a refreshing piece of cinema, very funny with many dramatic and highly emotional scenes intertwined.
Audiences should surprisingly warm to Otto the grumpy old sod, where underneath that tough exterior lies a man who still suffers incredible grief for his wife whom he deeply misses.
Tom Hanks is a natural in the titular role, possibly the only actor who could have given credence to this most frustrating yet lovable character. Audiences should smile at his unbearable antics and possibly feel sorry for him as he trudges along being rude yet helpful, while fighting his own demons.
Mexican actress Mariana Trevino steals the show as the zany Masisol. An extraordinary actress, she demands attention on screen delivering a performance which redefines ‘bubbly personality’. Hopefully we’ll see much more of this talented actress in American cinema.
The importance of family and friendship resonates highly but ultimately the message delivered is that people are not born grumpy or with mental issues – there are factors in people’s everyday lives which trigger these issues.
This is a beautifully executed film, emotionally amplified by effective editing and a musical score that should compound to also deliver a heartfelt and very satisfying cinematic experience.
★★★★
In Cinemas New Year’s Day
