Review of Wakefield (2017) by Dawdlingpoet — 23 Nov 2021

I thought this was a really interesting film, in terms of the main plot. I admit I have, once in a while, wondered what response there'd be if I just didn't show up at work, didn't come home etc. Its selfish, I know but I could, to some extent, relate to the protagonist, as I'm someone who can be pretty scathing about things at times. I thought Bryan Cranston was a good choice of actor to play the main role, someone who does good, clear narration and he certainly looked the part, as the increasingly more dishevelled person in hiding. I couldn't help but think that paranoia was playing a part, due to some of the thoughts he has and also his habit of viewing people and things from a low, crouched position (to avoid being seen). I suppose that's to be expected, to an extent.

I thought it was somewhat poignant, with one key quote going as follows - 'I didn't lose my family, I lost myself'. I suppose you could argue its a little like Rear Window, only what he's witnessing is the actions of those he's (they likely believe) left behind. The way he talks, at times, about himself in third person, I found a bit creepy.

It may not suit everyone but I thought it was a quite intriguing and interesting, with good performances from Cranston and Jennifer Garner and so I'd recommend it on that basis.