The Number 23 (2007)

Walter Sparrow becomes obsessed with a novel that he believes was written about him. As his obsession increases, more and more similarities seem to arise.

Director:

Joel Schumacher

Writer:

Fernley Phillips

Stars:

Jim Carrey, Virginia Madsen, Logan Lerman

5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jim Carrey	...	Walter Sparrow / Fingerling
Virginia Madsen	...	Agatha Sparrow / Fabrizia
Logan Lerman	...	Robin Sparrow
Danny Huston	...	Isaac French / Dr. Miles Phoenix
Lynn Collins	...	Suicide Blonde / Mrs. Dobkins / Young Fingerling's Mother
Rhona Mitra	...	Laura Tollins
Michelle Arthur	...	Sybil
Mark Pellegrino	...	Kyle Flinch
Paul Butcher	...	Young Fingerling / Young Walter
David Stifel	...	Hotel Clerk
Corey Stoll	...	Sergeant Burns
Ed Lauter	...	Father Sebastian
Troy Kotsur	...	Barnaby
Walter Soo Hoo	...	Chinese Restaurant Owner
Patricia Belcher	...	Dr. Alice Mortimer

Storyline

On his birthday, Walter Sparrow, an amiable dog-catcher, takes a call that leaves him dog bit and late to pick up his wife. She's browsed in a bookstore, finding a blood-red-covered novel, a murder mystery with numerology that loops constantly around the number 23. The story captivates Walter: he dreams it, he notices aspects of his life that can be rendered by "23," he searches for the author, he stays in the hotel (in room 23) where events in the novel took place, and he begins to believe it was no novel. His wife and son try to help him, sometimes in sympathy, sometimes to protect him. Slowly, with danger to himself and to his family, he closes in on the truth.

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Plot Keywords:

author | bookstore | coincidence | animal control | dream | 

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Taglines:

The truth will find you.

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Genres:

Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

14A

Details

Official Sites:

New Line Cinema [United States]

Country:

USA Germany

Language:

English Chinese

Release Date:

23 February 2007 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Le nombre 23

Filming Locations:

Pasadena, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$32,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£1,206,087 (UK) (23 February 2007)

Gross:

$35,063,732 (USA) (23 March 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema, Contrafilm, Firm Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min 98 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

SDDS DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The author of the book's 'name' was Topsy Kretts which, if pronounced quickly, sounds like 'Top Secrets'

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Goofs

When Agatha enters the Nathaniel Institute, it is dark outside, but when we see her again in the doctor's office, bright light is shining through the windows. When she leaves again it is dark.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Walter Sparrow: A week ago, the only thing I thought was out of the ordinary was that it was my birthday.

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Connections

Referenced in Tosh.0: Crystal Light Dancers (Reunion) (2010)

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Soundtracks

Blue Christmas
Written by Billy Hayes (as Bill Hayes) and Jay Johnson (as Jay W. Johnson)
Performed by Dean Martin
Courtesy of Capitol Records
Under license from EMI Film & Television Music

User Reviews

A well written thought provoking story

I went into this movie with the notion that I would be seeing another version of the Magestic. I was completely blown away. The visuals are stunning and once you get past Joel's use of the blurred past, you are captivated by his use of colors and imagery. The acting is also good, Carrey has his witty one liners which will please fans. I was captivated and fooled which means to me that there was good acting and writing.

I give this movie an 8/10 due to the questions left by the twists. When you see it you will realize what I am talking about but other than that I do recommend this movie to anyone who loves psychological thrillers with twist endings.

P.s. don't see this because you like Jim Carrey...see it because you like the material.