“Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Lloyd Vogel.” – IMDb
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
Starring
Matthew Rhys, Tom Hanks, Chris Cooper, Susan Kelechi Watson
Directed by
Marielle Heller
Written by
Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Noah Harpster, Tom Junod
Storyline
The film starts just like an episode of the show, but with Mr Rogers introducing the characters of the film (with a wise message to go hand-in-hand). After introducing Lloyd, we are brought to the 1998 National Magazine Awards where he is shown presenting an award. We then see Matthew Rhys as Lloyd with his pregnant wife played by This Is Us’ Susan Kelechi Watson.
While the couple is at his Sister’s wedding, we come to understand that there is tension between Lloyd and his Father played by Chris Cooper. It comes to an inappropriate head during the wedding reception and we then see Mr Rogers using it as an opportunity for a life lesson for his show. The Mailman Mr. McFeely (played by Daniel Krell) eventually shows up which was quite the flashback.
The scene cuts to Lloyd talking to his boss who is requesting that he interview Mr Rogers. When this is met with barely any enthusiasm, his boss tells him that he is creating quite a bad reputation for himself and he needs to do this interview. Back at home, he gets a call from Mr Rogers:
Fred Rogers : Do you know what the most important thing in the world is to me right now?
Lloyd Vogel : Uh, no.
Fred Rogers : Talking on the telephone to Lloyd Vogel.
– IMDb
Lloyd eventually visits the television show’s set.
As he talks with Mr Rogers, the aforementioned fight gets brought up and Mr Rogers seems genuinely concerned. Lloyd says that he’s there to interview him, not the other way around. It is during this visit that he witnesses the magic of Mr Rogers in person and seems to be entranced by it- even just a little bit- more.
We then see Lloyd watching Mr Rogers on Oprah Winfrey’s TV show while he’s rocking his baby in his arms. It’s as though without him needing to say a word, we understand that he relates even more to what Mr Rogers is trying to do for children now that he is a father himself. This is followed by several clips of time passing- Mr Rogers before the senate committee, other tapings, etc. We meet Joanne, his wife, who says that he works at being Mr Rogers all the time. He strives to be the person that people have grown to love and it’s not naturally engrained in him.
Mr Rogers and Lloyd then take the subway together.
Taking the subway is simply the easiest way for him to get around sometimes. This shows that he is a human being just like everyone else, regardless of his fame. Kids on the subway recognize him and call out to him. They proceed to sing the theme song and the entire subway car joins in. (Insert my tears here, yet again). Lloyd asks him if it all feels like a burden to him, having people look to him for such comfort. He replies with something along the lines of, “There is no life without burden”.
Throughout the rest of the film, we experience the beautiful telling of family, friendship, love, and loss. It shows that even as adults, we still feel such a wide range of emotions and that is something that will never end.
Acting
With Tom Hanks being the star of this film, do I even really have to discuss how I think he did in this role? If anyone had to play Mr Rogers, I’m so glad that it was Tom Hanks. His voice, his gentleness… he portrays him perfectly.
“I think he [Fred Rogers] would have liked that Tom [Hanks] sort of straddles the line between following Fred’s gestures and mannerisms, but not doing an imitation of Fred,” he says. “I think Tom plays Fred as a person to be reckoned with, and I think Fred was a person to be reckoned with.” – TIME
I’ve been a fan of Rhys ever since he starred in the show Brothers & Sisters. From The Americans to Perry Mason, I think he’s quite talented. He may not have the typical movie star qualities, but he takes a chance with emotional roles and I respect that quite a bit.
The other secondary roles had the perfect people to fill the shoes and I have nothing bad to say about the chosen cast members. I think Golden Globe and Academy Award winner Chris Cooper is a great addition to the cast as he always adds a “certain something” to any film he stars in.
Thoughts
“Anything mentionable is manageable”.
This is a film that while I enjoyed it, I don’t have too much else to say about it in terms of what I thought about it. This isn’t a bad thing; more so, I believe everyone should watch it to simply enjoy it. It is what I expected from a talented cast that wished to pay tribute to a talented man and I’m glad that I watched it. It’s the perfect movie for a rainy, cozy evening.
Overall
If you’re the type to get sentimental, or you grew up with Mr Rogers, I would suggest preparing yourself. By this, I mean to get comfortable with the fact that you may be a bit emotional while watching this. I recommend it as a film in general, although I didn’t expect to cry the way that I did. It happened instantly due to the nostalgia alone. On top of this, the music and seeing the set also brought back a flood of emotions.
Would I still enjoy the movie even if I hadn’t been a fan of Mr Rogers? Yes, I believe so. It is heartfelt and has life events that are easily relatable. If he were still alive to watch it, I’m sure Mr Rogers would be humbled. Hopefully, he would feel honored by it and the fact that his life made such an impact.
The world could always use more of the “Mr. Rogers energy”. And, I’m happy to have a film that aids in doing that.
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