Wakefield - Dein Leben ohne dich

No, this movie is not like watching paint dry, it is about watching a person drop out and tune into the petty and superficial aspects of the self. Rather it's a "nervous breakdown" or not Cranston does wonders with his physiognomy and gait. No, this is not an action movie or a RomCom, but a study in character and psychology does require patience, as does sipping a good glass of wine, no need to gulp, enjoy the moments, the good and the bad.

Greetings again from the darkness. Oscar nominated for her screenplay to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Robin Swicord's directorial debut of The Jane Austen Book Club (2007) was not particularly impressive. However, she bounces back nicely with this Bryan Cranston vehicle and one of the more creative scripts featuring internal dialogue that's ever hit the silver screen. Cranston is showing a knack for selecting interesting projects, and he excels here as the high-powered attorney who spontaneously decides to drop out of society in a most unusual manner.

There is a ton of social commentary on display here with targets including married life, suburban living, career pressures, and self-doubt … substantially summed up with a line from Cranston's character, "Most everyone has had the impulse to put their life on hold." As he proceeds through his new 'unshackled' and 'primal' lifestyle while observing the world unnoticed through the small window in his garage attic, much of his focus seems to be on discovering just who he is at his core, and what is the truth behind his relationship with his wife (Jennifer Garner). It's as if he is asking "What am I?" while clinging to his previous life in a voyeuristic way.

Ms. Swicord's screenplay is adapted from E.L. Doctorow's short story and it's sneaky in the way that it questions how we go about our daily life, and how one can "snap" emotionally if feeling unappreciated. It's a showcase for the other side of upper middle class white privilege, as well as suburban alienation that is so prevalent (and ignored) today. By dropping out but staying close, Cranston's character actually pays more attention to his family than he usually would if sitting next to them at the dinner table.

We are accustomed to a mid-life crisis involving a sports car, marital affair or sudden career change. It's highly unusual for someone to actually "disappear". It's at that point where the narration really shines … it's insightful, observational and thought-provoking. Beyond that, the comedic edge is laden with sadness. The story humanizes this pretty despicable guy – or at least a guy who does a pretty despicable thing. The score is in the style of a 1980's Brian DePalma movie, which just adds to the unique cinematic experience. This is one to see for Cranston's performance, as well as for Ms. Swicord's commentary on today's way of life.

A successful New York attorney (Bryan Cranston) lives in a nice suburban home, has been married to his wife (Jennifer Garner) for 15 years and has teenage twin daughters. He thinks about the ups and downs of their relationship, loses his job and walks out on his family. Except he is not far as he is hiding in a small room above the garage spying on his family for months from a window in the garage, watching their different stages of grief.

Cranston practically carries this film alone on this parable on human relationships and family. Not short of humour, it is both an interesting and sad study that sometimes stretches credibility.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Bryan Cranston's character devolve, much as his character in Breaking Bad did. He does a wonderful job showing us what made his character do what he did. Jennifer Garner is great as his wife. Beverly D'Angelo is amusing as Jennifer Garner's mother. There are dark moments, but also periods of levity. Bryan Cranston has to carry the majority of the film as we see everything through his eyes or as he interprets it. It is a unique way to show a person as they go through a possible break down. Who among us hasn't wanted to walk away from our life at some point? And haven't we wondered if we'd be missed and by whom? A must see film!

Bryan Cranston did a great job as always, but the plot was a little drawn out. Interesting idea for a movie, there isn't much explanation as to why he hid away for so long and why no-one ever checked the attic, but quirky and funny at times. The ending was a little frustrating but overall a decent but not amazing movie.