THE LIFE OF CHUCK is told in reverse, from the end of a man’s life to the beginning. The film begins with the death of Chuck (Tom Hiddleston) and proceeds to showcase slices in his life, culminating with his childhood as an orphan in a haunted house.
Chuck is dying from a brain tumour with his perception of reality fading quickly. The story is influenced by the cosmos and the idea of inner worlds. ‘Don’t fret’ is heady stuff but there’s shmultz as well. Based on a Stephen King tale, it has a sunny countenance. In fact much of the film centers on the joy Chuck gets from dancing.
Its a heartfelt tearjerker due to its hackneyed plotting, it’s power is in its ability to paint a portrait of what makes an amazing thing, even though we know it’s going to end sooner than we think.
Tom Hiddleston shines in this tender and surreal drama that finds quiet joy in life’s fleeting beautiful moments, as do the support crew, Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Annalise Basso. Told in three chapters, it begins with the End of Days- skies turning red, the internet failing, and people walking away from their lives. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillan portray a once-married couple reuniting during this strange, inexplicable collapse. They anchor the opening act with weary tenderness, embodying the denial, confusion and subtle hope that flicker in uncertain times. Through it all, mysterious billboards and cryptic signs celebrate a man called Chuck.
Its very easy to be cynical these days, looking at the state of cinema and the state of the world. However, THE LIFE OF CHUCK is a profound dramedy about the little moments that add up to something meaningful. Chuck has an impact on everyone, even if they don’t realise it right away. Though the effect of it can be discombobulating, taken as a whole these pieces form a truly beautiful and frankly inspiring story.
Maybe some may find its sincerity corny, but director Flanagan is such a strong filmmaker and his cast so uniformly excellent that all of its emotional moments feel completely earned
