In today's world, where respect for journalism and its practitioners is diminishing, it is fascinating to consider that two decades ago, such sentiments were the exception rather than the norm. This is precisely the situation faced by the protagonist of The Weather Man, a 2005 drama directed by Gore Verbinski.
Nicolas Cage portrays David Spritz, a weather man on a Chicago television station who enjoys a comfortable lifestyle thanks to his easy yet high-paying job. However, he is frequently subjected to disdain and ridicule from fellow Chicagoans, who believe that his success is undeserved and occasionally express it by throwing food at him on the street. Moreover, his personal life is in shambles, as he struggles with feelings of jealousy after his beautiful ex-wife Noreen (played by Hope Davis) has found new boyfriend, Russ (played by Michael Rispoli); his teenage son Mike (played by Nicholas Hoult) attracts the attention of a paedophile school counsellor, Dave Bowden (played by Gil Bellows); and his 12-year-old daughter Shelly (played by Gemmenne de la Peña) has become overweight. To compound David's woes, his father, Robert Spritzel (played by Michael Caine)- a highly respected Pulitzer Prize-winning author who has always expressed disappointment in him - is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Directed by Gore Verbinski between the two instalments of Pirates of the Caribbean film series, The Weather Man was an attempt to demonstrate his prowess as a film maker capable of handling serious dramas rather than just summer blockbusters. Steven Conrad's script tackles the subject of mid-life crisis, clearly inspired by the Oscar-winning American Beauty, but with a lighter touch that results in a film firmly rooted within the drama genre yet flirting with comedy and satire on the modern television industry.
Unfortunately, despite these efforts, The Weather Man becomes a rather depressing film, its gloomy atmosphere exacerbated by the wintry Chicago setting. Verbinski does little to lighten the mood, even when opportunities arise within the script.
Nicolas Cage, as usual, pours considerable energy and talent into his role, but his efforts are not enough to improve the general impression of the film. The same can be said for Sir Michael Caine, whose gravitas is unable to transcend the limitations of the script. Among the rest of the cast, young Nicholas Hoult stands out, though primarily to fans of the actor.
Overall, while Verbinski's direction and Conrad's script show promise, they are ultimately let down by the film's heavy-handed approach and inability to strike a balance between drama and comedy. The result is a depressive, albeit visually striking, portrayal of mid-life crisis that fails to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
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