For those that do not know, The Glass Castle was first a memoir published in 2005 by Jeannette Walls, who lived through these events that were adapted in a feature length movie. Destin Daniel Cretton (Short Term 12 (2013)) has been tasked to direct as well as assist in the screenplay of this adaptation. Cretton has been given a very talented cast to work with to bring Jeannette Walls’ words to life. Let’s see just how he fares in the tall task.
The Glass Castle tells the story of a family with no real sense of materialist stability but what they do have is each other. The patriarchal glue that holds the family together through good and bad times is Rex (Woody Harrelson). His ability to always look at the bright side and try to convince those that he holds dearest that real happiness can be found within, is nothing short of admirable. At least it appears that way in short doses. Upon further review however, you begin to see the cracks in the foundation as what Rex is trying to build, is mostly smoke and mirrors. As his young trusting children get older, particularly Jennette (Brie Larson), they too begin to see that life isn’t all smiles and rainbows. Resentment grows as this family slowly grows apart. The story is told in a couple of different timelines so there’s a lot of back and forth while everything unfolds to paint a complete picture. As with most artistic creations, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and this movie will be no different in that regard.
With this story jumping back and forth years apart, some of the children are played by different actors. Brie Larson, for example, also shares the role of her character with Chandler Head and Ella Anderson. The same goes for each of her siblings as well. Actors such as her dad (Harrelson), mom (Naomi Watts) and fiance (Max Greenfield) are played by only one actor each. That’s actually where I have my first bone to pick with this movie. It’s like they didn’t even try to put in real effort when it comes to Harrelson’s or Watts’ ages fluctuating throughout The Glass Castle.
Aside from that physical faux pas, the acting itself is top notch. Woody Harrelson does a great job and embraces his character that is equal parts drunk, dreamer, determined dad and douche. Naomi Watts brings a nice balance of vulnerability and veracity in the love for her family. Brie Larson, though, is tasked with much of the heavy lifting and she does not disappoint. Throughout her character’s development, Larson stands taller and taller. The rollercoaster of emotions will bring on many different feelings for engaged audiences.
The overall story is a bit long but, in order to cover what is needed to help audiences by in emotionally to the construction of these characters and their flaws, it is a necessary evil. Still though, the pace was a bit slow at times and behaviors were reinforced too often. It is in these moments that your interest may wain as you lose that emotional connection that was fought so hard to make in the first place.
My first thoughts about The Glass Castle led me to want to say that it may very well be one of those outside contenders in certain areas of the Oscar talk. Upon reflecting on everything for a bit longer, I can simply say, with a fair amount of certainty, that not all of the necessary components are present to built a magnificent vehicle in which everyone will come away from with complete satisfaction. As good as much of the acting is…the majority of the time, it’s still a little dry and non-entertaining. While this type of movie may not be for everyone, especially at the prevailing box office rates, for the right audiences, you’ll come away moved and will be filled with emotion. Check out the trailer and judge your interest level for yourselves.
