This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 290! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey friends,
So, I ventured out of my comfort zone and watched “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (2019) last night, and let me tell ya, I had some serious doubts going in. Biopics? Not usually my thing. I mean, most of the time they’re like those overcooked documentaries with too much salt—y’know, just a bit too much, and it kills the whole thing. They often feel forced or overly sentimental. But this one… guys, this one got me, and I was like, “Whoa, alright, maybe this is worth the popcorn calories after all!”
The film follows Lloyd Vogel (played by Matthew Rhys), a journalist tasked with interviewing the beloved Mister Rogers (Tom Hanks) for an Esquire profile. Now, Lloyd’s a bit of a grump, a cynic who’s seen too much of the world’s ugliness. He’s convinced Rogers’ kindness is an act, a facade for the cameras and he’s out to prove it. But as he spends time with Rogers, Lloyd starts to see that the genuine warmth and empathy aren’t just for show.
The story unravels through the eyes of Vogel, who’s more of a storm cloud on a sunny day, but the dynamic between him and Mister Rogers is the essence of the film. It’s like one of those sweet and salty combos that shouldn’t work, but somehow it totally does.
Hanks’ portrayal of Rogers is nothing short of extraordinary. I mean, who else could embody that gentle, cardigan-wearing soul better than Hanks? It’s like he just walked right out of our childhood TV screens and gave us a big, soft smile. Pretty sure his aura changed the molecules in the room or something. For real. Hanks is just THAT good.
He captures the gentle spirit, the slow, deliberate speech, the unwavering kindness that made Mister Rogers a childhood icon for so many. But it’s not an impersonation; Hanks brings a depth to the character, hinting at the quiet strength and unwavering faith that underpinned Rogers’ gentle demeanor.
The film isn’t just a fluffy tribute, though. It delves into Lloyd’s own struggles — his strained relationship with his father, his cynicism, his difficulty connecting with his newborn son. Through his interactions with Rogers, Lloyd begins to confront his own emotional baggage and learns the power of forgiveness and vulnerability.
One moment that really stuck with me takes place during one of their interviews. Fred Rogers asks Lloyd to take a minute of silence to think about the people who have loved him into being. It’s such a simple, beautiful request that hits right in the feels. Seriously, think about that for a sec. How often do we pause and reflect on those who’ve shaped us? I was a bit misty-eyed—not even gonna lie. And the sound design? It was perfect, because you could practically hear the warmth in that silence.
Alright, enough about my flooding emotions. Let’s talk cinematography. Marielle Heller, the director, gave the film a nostalgic, almost dreamlike feel. The transitions between scenes often feature miniature models of Pittsburgh, a nod to the iconic opening of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” It’s a subtle detail, but it adds a layer of whimsy and charm to the film. These miniatures made me feel like a kid again, watching all those miniature cars and bridges, and reminded me of my own little toy set I used to play with on the living room rug. Ah, the simpler days!
By the end of the film, you’ll probably feel like you’ve been gently hugged by a familiar old sweater, and not in a cheesy way. Nope, this one’s genuine and somehow hits different. It’s like when you find forgotten cash in your jeans pocket—it makes your day, no question.
Anyway, if you haven’t seen “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” yet, grab some PJs, a cozy drink, and immerse yourself in this beautiful cinematic nod to someone who wasn’t just broadcasting television, but was all about genuine love and kindness.
Catch you tomorrow,
Roger