Pleasantville
{5/5} “There are some places where the road doesn’t go in a circle.”
Pleasantville, released in 1998
David and Jen are transported into the world of an old TV show, Pleasantville. They find themselves in the roles of characters Bud and Mary Sue, and they’re even in black and white. A man who claimed to be a TV repair person got them into this, and he says he’ll be back in a week or two. In the meantime, they will try to blend in — or maybe they won’t.
This is one of my favourites.
There are hilarious parts, and beautiful parts.
It’s also technically amazing, with much of it having both colour and black and white people and objects.
It’s about how it’s OK if things aren’t pleasant all the time — in fact, it’s better.
Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon are brilliant.
Stars William H. Macy, Joan Allen, Jeff Daniels, and Don Knotts. Directed by Gary Ross (Ocean’s Eight).
The stunning music is by Randy Newman — the most exquisite part is the scene that stars with Mr. Johnson wiping the makeup off Betty’s face. The soundtrack also features “Take Five” and “At Last” at key parts.
This is the 3rd or 4th time I’ve seen it.