Review of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011) by Josh G — 22 Dec 2015

This is a slow movie to start and I was about ready to give up when Oskar first meets The Renter face to face. From then on, the film is a delight, with Max von Sydow playing his character with compassion and humour, never quite stealing the focus from Oskar, but providing a subtle foil to the blunt demands of the autistic child. Sandra Bullock as Oskar's mother takes over when The Renter takes his leave, again providing a surprise when it seems that the film is going to come to an inconclusive end.

The blurb I have seen for both the book and the film addresses 9/11 as Oskar's driving force, but it is ultimately more about him coming to terms with how he views life rather than how be finds closure on his father's death.

Have patience and this film will reward you.