OBSERVER: The Life of Chuck


Before seeing The Life of Chuck, it helps to know that the film is in three acts, and travels back through time. Each act focuses on a different cast, with the character of Chuck (played as an adult by Tom Hiddleston) being the common link.
The story is by famed horror novelist Stephen King, and the first third of the film is profoundly disturbing with acts of natural disaster happening that could indicate the end of the world.
Suddenly the only light comes from the moon and stars and weird lit billboards of Chuck and the message ‘ thanks for everything’.
Eventually we find that Chuck is a man who is dying, and then we start to travel back through his life to the tragic events but also the joys in his life, especially when he discovers as a child that he can dance. Dancing for joy is a central theme, as in the second act, on seeing a solo drummer busking, Chuck breaks out into a spectacular dance routine, and is soon joined by passer by Janice (Annalise Basso) and their extended dance routine to a sudden crowd is one of the most joyful and stunning features of the film.
As a younger man and boy in Acts Two and One, Chuck is played by Jacob Tremblay, Benjamin Pajak and Cody Flanagan, all effective performances.
As teacher Marty Anderson in Act One, Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a finely nuanced performance as a man who realises this could be the end of the world, along with Karen Gillam as his ex-wife, but still a friend, and a nurse who is dealing with tragedy as people end their lives in fear.
We meet Chuck as a young boy who is orphaned but lovingly brought up by his grandparents Sarah (Mia Sara) and Albie Krantz (a difficult to recognise Mark Hamill of Star Wars fame), and there are scary family secrets from which they try to protect Chuck.
Life of Chuck is a puzzling film initially, and while the scenario may sound depressing, it has a lot of joy and positivity, and is a celebration of life and what’s important in life. It’s worth seeing and should provide some great discussions over a post-film drink.
Julie Houghton

Pictured: Annalise Basso and Tim Hiddleston in The Life of Chuck