Heartbreakingly poignant, The Life of Chuck is an endearing film focusing on family and love. It asks all the existential questions a person can have about this expansive universe full of uncertainties. Based on the novel by Stephen King, this story has all the hauntings of the author’s signature paranormal touch. But the plot, in comparison to some of his previous work, lies more vulnerable and grounded. The Life of Chuck emenates an air of grandiose extravagance. But at the core of it is an introspective exploration of contentment in life and the acceptance of death. It’s an all-around masterfully bittersweet tale starring Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan and Mark Hamill.
Debuting at the inaugural SXSW London Festival, the feature is split into three acts and is told in reverse chronological order. It follows the life of Charles Krantz, known to his friends as “Chuck”. All in all, the structure of the piece elicits a variety of questions, never revealing the heart of the truth. This creates an atmosphere of mystery and anxiety, which is heavily reflective of ‘Act Three: Thanks, Chuck’s main protagonists – Marty Anderson and Felicia Gordon. The two witness what seems to be the end of the world: technology is failing, natural disasters are occurring all across the country, and stars are disappearing from the sky. Amidst all of the chaos, there are posters, billboards, and signs thanking one “Charles Krantz” for his thirty-nine years of service.
The combination of form and use of third-person narration amplifies the sentimental tone of the picture. It makes use of hindsight and memory in a very effective manner, attaching itself to the audience. The overall effect weighs heavy on their hearts and puts time into perspective. It adds to the nostalgic spectacle of it all. Still, the arc remains simple: the life and death of a man. But by beginning at the end, the film opens itself to questions and intense investigation. The use of repetition and the cyclical nature of the feature furthers this insatiable need to know for the viewers. As the mystery unravels and tidbits of information are divulged to the audience, a devastating image is unveiled. It’s one that will shatter hearts and inspire plenty of tears – of both sorrow and joy
Because, the thing about The Life of Chuck is that, while the events are sad and painful, it maintains an unrelenting sense of hope. The world may be ending, and Chuck may be dying. But there’s a sort of fulfilment one can take from the piece, expressed firmly through the use of narration and the beautiful score by the Newton Brothers. The music is rich with a multitude of sensations, from undeniable happiness and determination, powerful lament, to exhilarating faith and peaceful acceptance. Music is the anchor that keeps the viewers teetering on the edge of giving up and continuing to push forward. The score, combined with the all-knowing narration by Nick Offerman, keeps the picture vibrant with hope.
Mike Flanagan truly delivers in creating a resonant film – from the adapted script to his brilliant execution and direction. But the reason it works so well is because the audience are endeared to the people on-screen. All the actors for Chuck imbue the individual with a charismatic innocence. He’s not a complex character at all. But the different actors that portray him highlight the undeniable multifaceted nature of humans; the wide range of emotions there is in one person. Still, there remains an obvious throughline – a mark of who Charles Krantz is to the viewers. Finding that connection is what magnetizes those watching to the story. Also, not to be forgotten—Hamill is another highlight. He plays the role of a fiercely caring grandfather who harbors just a little bit of darkness within him so well. He sets another excellent example of the human juxtaposition.
Overall, Flanagan’s work embodies everything its central quote is about: “I contain multitudes”. Every little part of The Life of Chuck has an array of wonder embedded into it. From the short-lived but stunning cast of characters, the music and how it moves with the visuals, and the very simplistic notion of living life to the fullest. There’s love and irony in every beat of this piece. It’s the kind of tale that stays with a person, with lessons that will forever haunt that sentimental part of them.
That’s our thoughts on The Life of Chuck by Mike Flanagan at the SXSW London Festival. Is Charles Krantz’ story something you’d like to witness unfold? Do you have any existential questions you hope to explore yourself? As the inaugural London event for SXSW, what did you think of the headliners for this year? Let us know all about it on our Instagram or Twitter! You can also read our previous review of Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers. If you want to learn about the game of Pinball, check out our last article, The Bragg Brothers On The Story Of Chance, Skill, And Parallels In Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game Starring Mike Faist, Crystal Reed, And Dennis Boutsikaris.
