Ben Stiller’s Hidden Gem: Walter Mitty and Meditating on Reality

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Narrated & Edited by @dcmihatepie
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Music by Daniel Larsen, daniellarsensound.weebly.com, daniellarsen.b...
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SOURCES
James Thurber’s short fiction piece: www.newyorker.c...
An interview with Dryburgh: variety411.com/...
Cool imgur post about how the film nails the basics: imgur.com/galle...
FURTHER READING & BIBLIOGRAPHY
This style has not aged well at all, but a fun watch: • The Secret Life of Wal...
Really good interview with Stiller: • The Secret Life of Wal...
Still on his stunt work: • Ben Stiller Q&A | Stun...
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[@losswert]

People who are saying that this film is boring just dont know that they are like Walter. They are searching for something in life that is exiting, that is distracting them from the reality. That is why they dont like this movie, because the movie is telling the truth and also not distracting them from the reality... in other words, they are watching themself and saying "It's so boring!!!"

[@The_Baconator_]

Hadn’t even thought about that dude, great take.

[@Min4Mass]

Excellent and insightful take!

[@abhijietmoon]

This is so accurate description 😊

[@TheAzmaria]

Walter Mitty is an underrated gem of a film and one of the few Ben Stiller movies I really enjoy. Thank you for giving your attention to it.

[@ianallardyce4222]

I went to see it at the cinema with my wife of 18 years. As we walked out, in the warm glow of the film, she said "you're my Walter Mitty". She actually meant it because we met overseas when we were young, adventurous pups, but nowadays deal with everyday work and family life. I still rember her saying that and it'll buck me up when needed. One of the most underrated films of all time.

[@L8rCloud]

After seeing this movie (especially the skateboarding scene) I quit my Job soon after, packed my backpack and what I didn't leave behind I gave to friends (everything I owned)...bought a ticket to Switzerland and left without saying goodbye to anyone ...even the abusive relationship I was in for 17 years. She went to work, I packed and caught a Taxi to the Airport. Never looked back for a second. 1 year later I was hiking the Via Alpina Trail which traverses the Alps from Italy to Monaco living up to 2 months at a time without any resupply...bathing and washing my clothes in the ice cold streams during Autumn Winter - Best thing I EVER did. I lost more weight than what I could barely carry in my backpack. Sometimes you have cut everything in order to make changes... There are things MUCH worse than dying... "There is nothing like the sight of an amputated spirit. There's no prosthetic for that." - Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman (1992). LIVE YOUR LIVES - The rest always takes care of itself.

[@Armaan8014]

Great story! What is your life like now? Did you return to you old life or are you still traveling?

[@krioni86sa]

are you still alive?

[@Johnged15]

Powerful

[@mikiasg8453]

incredible bro

[@abdelrahmanelmorsy3486]

One of the most fulfilling moments in this movie is actually the one when negative 25 is revealed and it is simply Walter immersed into his own world, which might look quit boring but if we take a moment and think about it, we realize is that even though he might thought that he was missing something big in his live and he did not get the appreciation he thought he deserved, he actually did by being himself. He went through all of his journey to rediscover himself only to find that he always had it in him, and of all things, it is shown through the lens of Sean who is the embodiment of what Walter was seeking all along.

[@j59424]

“Simply him immersed in his own world” “… He actually did by being himself” “… he always had it in him..” I had always love this film and inspired by it But today reading your words, I realise I am him, I felt lost all my life, but I am actually doing what I am supposed to do, living the life I meant to live, I always had everything I’d ever wanted So thank you for helping me to see that Take care ❤

[@andrewgraham1418]

My wife and I have watched this three times already, and I believe there is something seriously lacking in the critics who panned this film. Quality will draw you back again and again. I have read The Magus by John Fowles four times, and it opens with this quote. "We shall not cease from exploration, And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started, And know the place for the first time. T.S. Elliot Four Quartets

[@leonthesleepy]

Agreed, Walter Mitty is really underrated. And the movie's positivity is so rare these days.

[@JustIcelandic]

I first look at the movie since it was partially shot here in Iceland and I can add that colors and our nature was delivered so well but it's rare in this times of digital over- manipulation - and in general I think that the movie will age very well and get deserved recognition over time

[@bradholderman8462]

I realize this is old, but...first time I saw this film, I thought it was ok. Second time, I enjoyed it more. Third time, I found myself picking up on background stuff, imagery to the point I was rethinking the main points if the film. An ok movie has now become one of my favorites.

[@claychaffey]

This film has shaped me as a who I am today. My parents dragged me to the movies to watch this when I was 17, I didn't think much of it. A year later I watched it on the plane while travelling to US, particularly New York and I really appreciated it, the score, the cinematography, the landscapes etc. 10 years later I still watch it. I have a poster of him on my wall and have the soundtrack playing when I need motivation. I don't even see Ben Stiller, I see Walter Mitty.

[@Lyanraw]

I tell people my favourite film is the secret life of Walter mitty and my heart drops every time I hear "what's that? "

[@Lyanraw]

As someone who had massive dreams of adventure only to have adult life stamp out every part of it year after year this film was beautiful and very meaningful

[@robertryan952]

Not generally being a fan of Mr. Stiller's movies, I have to admit, this movie blew me away. Right from the beginning with his clever use of text in the opening, he paints a picture with the surroundings like I haven't seen in quite some time. From overhead shots showing the patterns in the building's floor to the outdoor sequences in Iceland, every frame is a work of art. Oh yeah...and the storyline is pretty cool, too. (lol) Bravo, Ben. Bravo!

[@movierates247]

This deserves more views. Very in-depth analysis of a truly great film.

[@kathyharvey6609]

One of the most beautiful films I’ve ever seen. The Snow Leopard scene changed my life .

[@tticusFinch]

"Beautiful things don't ask for attention."

[@michellepavri3505]

One of the best ever. Its a shame it never got it's due.

[@Milk27]

Everytime i feel my life becomes grey I rewatch this film just to reset myself. I love this film so much ❤

[@Rapture749]

Such a special film. I watch it once a month to wake up from the dream and live life in the ever changing moment.

[@valotaza2325]

Ofcourse, only few can appreciate it because it not meant for everybody. Its for soulful people who wants to find the meaning of life.

[@omuuraj]

I watched this yesterday again, feeling down in this Covid lockdown. This movie always lit my mood and give tons of positivity.

[@mr.1up932]

Thank you for reviewing this movie. My family and I have loved this movie since we've seen it in theaters, its so underrated!

[@dlysele]

This movie is so underrated. It was beautiful and enjoyable watch.

[@Viking_Kong]

Sometimes I think that people who see this film either get it or they don't. This movie truly resonated with me on so many levels that it is one of my all-time favorite movies. Some people will watch a movie like this from their core and get it. Others will just watch it with a stick, prodding it while shouting, "Amuse and entertain me!" The latter will never get it and substance is wasted on them.

[@aileenortega1832]

I have watched this movie several hundred times and will never get tired of it!

[@paperjellyfish143]

This is my FAVORITE movie ever...ever....

[@austin.paquette]

I love this movie so much. I found it at the perfect time when I was in a rut, and it gave me the courage to leave my awful job in my awful hometown to seek something new. I've learned to live much slower than before and appreciate the beauty and simplicity of nature and everything around us. Just today even, on my bike commute home from work, in windy, 5°C fall weather with my head in a balaclava, I looked at the orange and red leaves in the canopy of trees above me and had a moment of tranquility. Something about it felt special. I never used to experience life that way until I saw this movie. Even though it didn't perform great on release, I hope Stiller and everyone on the team are proud of what they made and are noticing this huge recent uptick in fans. It has some utterly blatant and shameless product placement, and a lot of the characters feel pretty one-dimensional and corny, but if you look past that I think it's one of the best movies ever made. I think everyone on the planet should be required to give it a watch. I think we'd all get along a bit better.

[@RisingRecluse]

20 seconds in. I remember. I watch this months after a break up and in the long run it helped inspire my bike tour.

[@swthelostarchives]

I've never thought of this film as a romantic comedy. I always saw it as a beautiful inspiring film that encourages the audience to travel, and take every opportunity life throws at them.

[@warpspeed9877]

The people that had these reactions that you describe at the start probably only watch "Need for speed" films... I have watched it four times, each one with growing admiration. The cast is superb, the filming and photography is top notch, the scenario is provocative and the MUSIC selection is outstanding. The whole film is an essay on understatement more or less like the "Bridges of Madison"...Easily a Top 10 for me...and I was never a Ben Stiller fan.

[@jamesyoung401]

Probably one of the most amazing films I've ever seen.

[@seantiz]

I had no idea that this movie was not highly acclaimed when it came out. And I’m shocked. It’s amazing.

[@TopcatsLair]

The original movie is one of my all time favourites, so this film had a lot to live up to. It succeeded in adapting the same short story but in a different unique way.

[@hduston]

A tiny story that nonetheless fills the enormous stage upon which it takes place.

[@_Urahara_Kisuke_]

I love this movie. There's just something deep about this film. If you don't like it first time, watch it again 5, or maybe 10 years later. You'll have a different view, or perhaps views. Coming from a sci-fi, horror, comedy movie fan.

[@danieljackson654]

Bravo. The skateboarding is definitely the transformational point of The Story. Well set up, we see early on Walter's skill when he shows the Boy his chops. The fact he gets the board for the Boy tells us he has transitioned to Father/Teacher but when he USES the board he has regained his innocence he lost so early. As Stiller himself makes that epic ride, we all take it with him through that wonderful light saturated, rich like his mother's cakes.

[@RealSuperRando]

I loved this movie, it really moved me. I’ve watched it many times. Each time I watched it, more of it came to me. My empty-hearted friends didn’t get it or hated it, calling it a stupid movie. I feel sorry for their loss.

[@andyrobertson4096]

It's not a romantic comedy it is a road movie with a romance simmering in the background. It's a stunning film visually. It is a fable for our time and the absurdist characterisations are part of that like an over the top cartoon or some hyper-realist art. This is a really excellent film that I can highly recommend.

[@ranggabhuana9040]

My Dad has some big picture books containing black and white photographs of LIFE magazine. So this movie is a bittersweet reminder of the transitional period from printed media to digital media.

[@Ry1rez]

I watched this for the first time today. I was completely moved by it. Absolutely brilliant film, uplifting and really positive. Something I needed personally at this time and more than when it came out. A new favourite.

[@wesleycardinal8869]

This is a visually stunning film, and I don't think I'm exaggerating there. You may not notice it on the first viewing, but on the second and third and subsequent viewings, you find things to look at. It was this movie that led me, by a round about way, to Wes Anderson and his visual style, and I think there may be some of his influence in this film. There is a lot to like in the dialogue, the gentle humour, the ultimate success of our hero, but it is the visual aspect that keeps me watching this over.

[@AnkitRajpoot]

This movie is definitely underrated and one of my favorite movies ever. It has this very serene upbeat feeling to it.

[@benbaker1977]

this is one of my top 5 movies of all time. I absolutely love everything about it

[@anitaunderwood4996]

Truly Ben Stiller's BEST MOVIE EVER! The ending was truly worth the price of the ticket and then some!

[@spiderlady123]

Loved the movie, but I honestly think the soundtrack is amazing as well as the beautiful scenery. One of my movies I watch at least a couple of times a year. The music I listen to all the time still.

[@caleblindsey5794]

This movie was vital to my childhood

[@RunDub]

One of my absolute favorite movies!

[@malinaeemi8603]

this is my goto movie, each time I feel down. This has picked me up many times now

[@jacobgramstadt3972]

its a great film and very underrated in my opinion as well. Ben Stiller did a great job in this film

[@jasoncy31]

Like many people, I've met a few famous people in my life, and overall my feeling is that I'm not overly impressed by them. Many of them are good at what they do and they try and do a professional job, and for that I'm grateful. But just being "famous" doesn't impress me that much, so I probably wouldn't go out of my way to fanboy all over someone famous. But. If I were to ever see Ben Stiller and have a way to talk to him in a non-annoying way, I wouldn't fanboy on him or ask for his autograph or a selfie. I'd just shake his hand and say "thank you for Walter Mitty". That's the thing I'd most like to say to him, and nothing else even comes close. This film is a gem, a treasure. If you get it, it gets into your head and won't let you settle for a mediocre life. I am so glad that Stiller was able to work with his collaborators and create it. Because it is beautiful.

[@Biocell.]

I remember this movie to the second. This was a work of art! I watched it and then watched again and then again, All in the same day. I related to this so much that I took a small step to do one small thing that I dreamed of and I actually achieved it.

[@kathrinphone0815]

Perfect analyses of the film. I've seen it always that way, like you. Anybody of us can relate to Walter in some points. Even the antagonist is so wonderfully familiar. We all know at least one 'Transition Manager'. The plot (no matter how many acts) is serving the story and the character arcs are conclusive. It's the authenticity .that makes it one of the best and most timeless films out there. Have seen it at least 20 times over the years. It’s a perfect example that critics are highly overrated and that films made with courage, passion and heart can effect the audiences much more than an Oscar Winner, because it might change their point of view on live in a positive way.

[@rafajmesa]

Glad to see such good praise for this great film. I´ve seen it 3 or 4 times and I love it.

[@louisehira-wd2oe]

This is the first Ben Stiller movie I saw, I'm a huge fan now and love most of his movies but this is still my favourite.

[@michellegarrison3229]

One of my favorite movies of all time!

[@pkdude5334]

I just noticed that Walter's rental car has a flat tire at around 3:07.

[@metoo553]

This is a great underated movie. Well worth watching.

[@tellatale8075]

Haven't watched the movie yet but your video essay makes it sound interesting !

[@TheAntagonistEssays]

definitely worth a look in, a bit of a creative way to tackle a rom-com/hollywood filler film

[@Benged]

I've always skimmed past this movie over the last few years of movie browsing & today I've finally watched the trailer and can proudly say I'm already hooked

[@camryncooley6141]

I originally went and saw this movie because I like Ben Stiller and it was the only thing in theaters at the time that I was interested in. I fell in love with it immediately. Like Walter I have vivid and exciting daydreams that I often have to be snapped out of that are difficult for me to let go of. I related to his character in this way that no other movie had ever shown before, and found an appreciation for the way this movie was shot, but I had no idea of the extent taken by the filmmakers to get the feeling in this movie that I love so much.

[@joaquinbrasher3722]

It's my second favorite movie behind The Goonies

[@felipejundi]

Just watched and I don't feel a cliché sentiment after watching the movie, really underrate

[@udissu]

Não imaginava que eu fosse encontrar outro brasileiro por aqui.

[@felipejundi]

Como sabe que sou br?

[@udissu]

@@felipejundi, eu olhei os canais que você é inscrito.

[@broccalvin7173]

This was a great video I hope you do more in the future.

[@user-gf8pu2oh8f]

Great Movie, my Sons favorite and one of my favorites 👍🏼

[@adinsarikei6814]

This movie also strongly reminded me also of Hector and the search for Happiness 2014 (Simon Pegg). Both movies has the same effect to me. Imo

[@thecastiel69]

The Cabel Guy is also an underrated gem

[@Magnanimousking92]

your video isas underratted as the movie itself. nice work very nice details I'm gonna watch it again, both movie and video afterwards .

[@shrisanidhya]

this movie would one day prove to be my life's triggering point to finally waking up.

[@NeilMarshall-xf7ii]

Fabulous movie!

[@imkayjaylea]

I just re-watched this film for the umpteenth time and I still LOVE this movie, even for all it's clunky dialogue and product placement. I wish this would come to 4K and remastered, but no one is clambering that hard for it, I still have the Blu-ray I got in 2018 though 😁

[@Nhamp2000]

Stuart Dryburgh shot on film? That provides for me a serious man-crush.

[@ganeshuthaman2738]

Oh man, i those reviews at 0:26 is just ridiculous. Since 2015, i ‘ve been suggesting this epic movie to all my friends. And im sure its going to be a classic for me and my friends when we grow up.

[@thatolderitalianlady184]

right? how shallow can people get?

[@mistakeef]

I can watch this film any time...

[@coenraadsnyman5229]

I have never related this much to a movie.

[@Vinayak_Nair]

Well made video!

[@anordkiri6207]

Most Beautiful Movie. ❤🎉

[@abinodattil6422]

Amazing movie

[@crocustorrent5093]

This was a wonderful movie 💐👏

[@TechMyLifeVideo]

Don’t remember it, who are these people you associate with. It’s one of my all time favourites.

[@PastaLoops]

Beautiful film that is a must watch for young immature men

[@curiousnomadic]

"No one seems to remember"??? This is the best movie of the last decade and it isn't a romantic comedy.

[@TheCronan]

No reference to the 1947 original with Danny Kaye?

[@cisestar]

NO ONE Remember? bro. i watch this film every year in holidays

[@Ivanski]

My BEST movie of my life...

[@brendenwhiteley3847]

calling life an analogue for time is crazy when life magazine was a real thing

[@Apollo-tc6sy]

One of my favourite films. Glad to see others recognise it's greatness too.

[@jamesbacon5690]

I loved this movie. Missing the mark?? No way

[@JaredWells]

It was a beautiful movie. Most critics are stupid.

[@jamesofallthings3684]

If you don't like this and tropic thunder you must be miserable to be around.

[@noodles.dumplings.kimchi2878]

Walter Mitty. My favorite INFJ icon.

[@marcushenness6437]

Reminded me a lot of Benjamin Button.

[@vectorm4]

I love the movie, but the narrator of this video really over sold the movie.

[@the98themperoroftheholybri33]

I wouldn't call this a romcom, it seems to be about a man rediscovering himself, a man who shows throughout the story he's had to put his own dreams on the back burner (such as paying for his mom and sister, or jumping straight into a career after his father died), he was an adventurous teen who enjoyed pushing boundaries. The romance part seems secondary to the story

[@thatbloomer5642]

My thoughts exactly. Romance after all is a part of life and this movie is like a tribute to life itself.

[@MarceloKatayama]

Do keep in mind that the term Romance is not exclusive to attraction for someone else. It refers to a particular vision of the world where everything gets to develop a role according to the romantic ideals. Perhaps the journey of rediscovering is what makes this romantic.

[@anamoose461]

it’s like a coming of age story for a young/middle aged adult who’s gone thru the motions of adulthood but never considered what they actually want out of life.

[@matias1321]

Beautiful movie. Sean Penn's statement during the Himalayas scene (beautiful things dont ask for attention) as he refuses to take the picture, actually seeing the tiger with his eyes indtead is, i belive, a huge sentence in an era of digital attention seekness.

[@Antonio88870]

This movie is an underrated masterpiece. I thought it was staggering how it was nowhere when I looked for it for a rewatch after a couple of years without seeing it until the moment I've found it... on the playlist on the airplane that I took on my flight to Portugal. A one-way flight to another country, when I was at the same time moving to another place and seeing another country, all at the same time, and although I did watch other movies on that eight-hour flight, no movie matched my situation on that day in the same way that movie did.

[@therealchickentender]

I am so happy that as the years go on more and more people are finding, loving, and *finally* standing up for this absolute wonder of a film.

[@Nic-bm5lf]

I don't listen too critics they don't even understand culture most of the time

[@looking4amiracle634]

This is one of my favorite movies of all time 💙

[@brickbybrick251lego8]

Just watched this film today. It is severely underrated and feels special to me in a way I find hard to express. Thank you for making this video and calling attention to this truly beautiful experience of a movie

[@jamespatrickfox]

A brilliant film. A poignant story beautifully filmed, beautifully scored, beautifully told.

[@ljubinkohercegovac9896]

I love this film and i also know a wildlife and landscape photogratpher who leads pretty much the same life as the photographer in this film and spends a lot of his time in iceland too. Amazing life, at least until covid hit.

[@joepcoumans247]

I think i am going to rewatch that movie, now that i have this bit of background information!

[@kiljaeden5405]

I love Walter Mitty cos I know what he feels like, Wanting but not doing. I literally make scenarios in my life while walking

[@2nd_snideelf144]

Everyone does that.