Wonderstruck (2017)

Tells the tale of two children separated by fifty years. In 1927, Rose searches for the actress whose life she chronicles in her scrapbook; in 1977, Ben runs away from home to find his father.

Director:

Todd Haynes

Writers:

Brian Selznick (screenplay by), Brian Selznick (based on the book by)

Stars:

Oakes Fegley, Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams

1 win & 34 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Millicent Simmonds	...	Rose
Julianne Moore	...	Lillian Mayhew / Rose
Cory Michael Smith	...	Walter
James Urbaniak	...	Dr. Kincaid, Rose's Father
Damian Young	...	Otto, Museum Guard
Patrick Murney	...	Workman
Lauren Ridloff	...	Pearl, The Maid
Anthony Natale	...	Dr. Gill, Teacher of the Deaf
Carole Addabbo	...	Miss Conrad at the Museum
Howard Seago	...	Remy Rubin, Theater Director
Brian Berrebbi	...	Stage Manager
John P. McGinty	...	Valentin (as John McGinty)
Mark A. Keeton	...	Shopkeeper
Patrick Wiley	...	Window Dresser
Garrett Zuercher	...	Officer Engel

Storyline

The film interlaces two stories set fifty years apart, switching frequently between them. Each tells the story of a child's quest. In 1927, Rose runs away from her father's New Jersey home to find her mother/idol, the actress Lillian Mayhew. In 1977, recently orphaned Ben runs away from his Minnesota home in search of his father..

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Plot Keywords:

museum | bookstore | deafness | wolf | friend | 

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Taglines:

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and smoking

Did You Know?

Trivia

Newcomer Millicent Simmonds sent a recording of her audition to director Todd Haynes who in turn sent it on to Julianne Moore who instantly approved of the 14-year-old. Millicent, who is deaf in real life, had to communicate on-set primarily through American Sign Language interpreters.

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Goofs

When Ben enters the rotunda of the American Museum of Natural History, he walks past the mounted skeletons of the Allosaurus attacking a Barosaurus defending its young, as seen in the museum today. However, this exhibit was not mounted until 1991, and wouldn't have been seen in 1977.

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Quotes

Ben: How do you know my name?

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Connections

References Captain Lust (1977)

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Soundtracks

Sunrise
Written by Norman Whitfield (as Norman Jesse Whitfield)
Performed by Rose Royce
Courtesy of Universal Studios

User Reviews

Wonderstruck (2017)

Carol was one of the best films I saw in 2015, as a matter of fact its probably the best film of that year. Everything about that film was so right. I really like Todd Haynes. Safe is also a fantastic film. I did like Far From Heaven and I'm Not There, though I'm not as crazy about those two. I saw the trailer for Wonderstruck and thought it looked interesting and could possibly be an experience like Carol or Safe. Wonderstruck is definitely a good film but its one of Todd Haynes' weaker efforts. That's really no knock on the film or the filmmaker, its just that Haynes' has set his own bar high.

The film portrays events in the lives of two children, one in the late 1927, the other in 1977. Both kids are deaf and have common elements in their life. Rose (1927) is running away from her dad to New York to find her idol, an actress in New York. Ben (1977) is recently orphaned and runs away to New York on a quest to find his estranged father. Both stories are intertwined and interwoven despite the already visible similarities from each tale. Its an interesting concept and Haynes utilizes unique filming styles to convey the tale, however the film doesn't always have high points and is a bit predictable.

The 1927 portion of the film emulates silent films of the era and is a tribute to movies of the time. The film is score heavy in this decade which makes the picture seem authentic. The score for this film is rather excellent and could be up for award contention at year's end. The 1977 portion has that gritty and colored frame that perfectly represents the cinematography of films of that era. I applaud Haynes for his presentation in style. The child actors do quite well. I actually didn't even realize Michelle Williams was in the film. Its a warm and fuzzy film that lacks any real conflict which I think was needed to perfect the film. Its a very saccharine effort which will appease younger viewers and Haynes definitely intended for it to be that way.

I have to go back to the score because its really riveting. Adds to the magic and wonder of the film and the experiences of the two leads. I love seeing New York in film throughout different decades so visually this film offers a definite viewing experience. Wonderstruck is not Haynes' best effort but like most of his other films its an ambitious effort and technically outstanding.

7/10

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site Official Site [Japan]

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

20 October 2017 (USA)

Also Known As:

Wonderstruck

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$65,882, 22 October 2017

Gross USA:

$1,060,377

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,285,916

Company Credits

Production Co:

Amazon Studios, Cinetic Media, FilmNation Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1