Film of the Week: Reign Over Me

Reign Over Me emotionally-punched its way onto a small list of mine consisting of 1 film and 1 game: Shawshank Redemption being the film, and The Last of Us being the game. That list is known by me as “The List That Broke Me”. After seeing this film 13 years after it came out, I was gutted I hadn’t seen it sooner, because it includes 2 elements that capture my interest - 911 and the game Shadow of the Colossus. It was the latter that helped this film cross my path, and the first which wondered how the latter would be handled.

The thematic handling of the game Shadow of the Colossus is a powerful aspect of the film, but unfortunately only if you’re aware of the game itself, and familiar with the story within, otherwise, an outsider can be lost within the full meaning, but can understand that Adam Sandler’s character, Charlie Fineman loses himself in a fictional world separate from the real one that took everything from him, and his slow recovery alongside his friend, Alan Johnson, played by Don Cheadle. What stands out the most in this film is the superb character development, which was represented softly and powerfully both with the writing and Adam Sandler’s unexpectedly harrowing performance, many I’m sure would agree with me considering the list of films he’s been in haven’t exactly been blockbuster hits - but have gained a following though that’s a discussion for another time.

Don Cheadle’s down-to-earth performance kept the film emotionally spinning out of control. His character was fortunate to be just as successful as Charlie once envisioned because they shared a college room together whilst training to become dentists. Alan Johnson felt as if he was just there and not really fitting in or affecting anything anymore - he has unintentionally slipped into an unbreakable routine at home and have become a pushover at work, and whilst he helps Charlie find his way back into society, Charlie helps Alan re-find his way back into the life he once had.

Shadow of the Colossus’ story involves someone who has lost a loved one and set about slaying 12 colossi in order to build up enough magic to resurrect her. In the end, he does, and their life begins anew. Understanding that concept within the film, knowing that at the end, Charlie does find someone who others are confident in believing would help him find his way, Reign Over Me does what very few films haven’t done and unfortunately will continue to not do, handle games intelligently. For those who aren’t familiar with the game, the emotion and power is still there, but for those who are familiar as I am, it brings an entirely new set of emotions. Including that game doesn’t make it a niche film, it adds layers that audience members can uncover if they choose to dive into what the game is all about. If they choose not to, they’ll still be able to understand the true meaning behind the film itself, finding your way back.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)