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The Glass Castle: A Touching Story of Resilience and Redemption
Based on the bestselling memoir of Jeanette Walls, The Glass Castle is a movie that will leave you both heartbroken and hopeful. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film revolves around the dysfunctional yet endearing Walls family, who strive to survive poverty, addiction, and neglect.
A Storyline That Tugs at Your Heartstrings
Jeannette Walls’ memoir was already a masterpiece, but the movie adaptation did not fall short in capturing its essence. With its unflinching portrayal of abuse, poverty, and family dynamics, it’s hard not to be moved by the story of Jeannette’s journey from her traumatic childhood to her successful career as a writer and journalist.
The movie starts with Jeannette (Brie Larson) as an adult living in New York City. She sees her homeless parents rummaging through trash cans while she’s out having dinner with her fiancé David (Max Greenfield). This encounter triggers a series of flashbacks that show us how Jeanette’s life was shaped by her family upbringing.
We then see Jeannette’s life growing up in the desert of West Virginia with her unconventional parents Rex (Woody Harrelson) and Rose Mary (Naomi Watts), who have a penchant for stirring up trouble. Despite their lack of material possessions and consistent instability, Jeannette still has fond memories of her father’s wild imagination and her mother’s artistic talents. However, as Jeanette grows older, she realizes that her parents’ lifestyle has consequences, particularly on the well-being of their children.
Powerful Acting Perfomances
In terms of acting, the cast is a force to be reckoned with. Brie Larson delivers a nuanced performance as Jeanette Walls, showing both her strengths and vulnerabilities. Woody Harrelson also gives a standout performance as Rex Walls – a complex character that is at once charming and abusive. Naomi Watts plays Rose Mary Walls, who struggles with her role as a mother while trying to maintain her artistic passions.
The young actors who played the Walls siblings are also impressive in their roles: Ella Anderson as Young Jeanette, Chandler Head as Youngest Jeanette, Eden Grace Redfield as Young Mary Charlene (Lori), Sadie Sink as Young Brenda (Maureen), Josh Caras as Brian (mid-teen), Iain Armitage as Brian (young).
Themes That Resonate With Viewers
One of the main themes in The Glass Castle is resilience. Despite growing up in impoverished circumstances and faced with various challenges such as their father’s alcoholism and their mother’s neglect, the siblings managed to make something out of themselves. They learned how to fend for themselves and support each other, even if it meant going against their parents’ wishes. Another theme is redemption, which can be seen in the Walls family’s attempts to reconcile with each other and come to terms with their past.
Cinematography That Enhances the Story
The cinematography of The Glass Castle is remarkable, especially in capturing the barren beauty of West Virginia and the vibrant cityscape of New York City. The use of color also adds depth to the film – from the golden hues of Jeanette’s childhood memories to the gritty and gray tones of her adult life.
The Soundtrack That Complements The Film Perfectly
The soundtrack for The Glass Castle is composed by Joel P West – a musician that has worked with director Destin Daniel Cretton in his previous films. The music fits perfectly into the film, adding emotional depth to certain scenes. The song “Summer Storm” that plays during the end credits is particularly poignant.
Criticism and Controversy Surrounding The Movie
While many praised The Glass Castle for its powerful storytelling and impactful performances, the movie has also garnered some criticism. One of the main points of contention is the depiction of the Walls parents, particularly Rex’s violent tendencies and neglectful behavior. Some argue that the movie romanticizes his character, which could give a skewed interpretation of child abuse and neglect.
On a lighter note, there’s also some controversy surrounding Woody Harrelson’s mustache in the film, which some have deemed distracting.
The Glass Castle Has Something For Everyone
Overall, The Glass Castle is a movie that can appeal to anyone who appreciates compelling storytelling and complex characters. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that redemption is always possible, no matter how broken our pasts may be.
If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend giving it a chance – just prepare to bring tissues.