"Don't judge a book by its cover". 'Cover' is associated with many shades of meaning, as such connotational too. Sometimes, the denotation works just fine. Night at the Museum is such a title that made me rethink, "is the movie about historical/political figures or what?" True that I did not see the cover, it's more like I heard just the name. Maybe I would have gathered a little more idea after seeing the cover. To be honest I was NOT expecting what I was about to experience. The idea of cover would have created an impact and also, the idea of the title has created an impact. Two of which were quite different. Shawn Levy clearly deserves an applaud for being able to portray history, comedy, and fantasy all in one frame keeping the bond intact with the least loopholes in my view. His amazing play of comedy along with the depiction of life always leaves his mark on his movies.
Night at the Museum - Where History comes to life, shares the fundamental family crisis or fear which in builts in the life of a divorced parent who is victim to circumstances, I would say. An emergence of ethical touch and obviously reliability and portrayal of responsibility. More than all, an amazing depiction of fantasy dissolved with comedy, bringing in the right atmosphere which complements the plot.
Image 01- Simplicity of humor, enacting fear
Few may wonder, if not exposed to spoilers, that Levy made an exclusive children-based movie, which is quite simple in the eye and more adventurous while quite intense too. However, among the audience, I was one too and in my perspective, it is a family movie as displayed not because the entire plot is regarding family relationships, which it is not, but because the plot brings about an epic fact about relationships and personality traits which is one of the essential factors in many relationships and also in building oneself their ideal figure. It is a common saying that for a child both parents are essential, however, this perspective has grown to have many branches surviving up to this generation yet it is quite an important factor in my eyes. Although this movie was one-sided based, without making the other party guilty while coming to a mutual understanding, yet I feel the importance of second chances remained quite visible.
As quoted by Aristotle, "Epic poetry and Tragedy, Comedy also and Dithyrambic poetry, as also the music of the flute and the lyre in most of their forms, are in their general conception modes of imitation. They differ however, from one another in three respects – their medium, the objects and the manner or mode of imitation, being in each case distinct." Why quoting Aristotle? He is one with whom I often relate my thoughts and get inspired by his amazing understanding. Although in this quotation, he is speaking of some specific genre and type, I am trying to relate it with movies in general for now. These key factors which shape the movies of today are very important to actually take the essence in able to form a new one, in my perspective. After all, no knowledge is trash, only one needs to look into that perspective which it is preaching without being biased.
Image 02- Parental bonding, above all
Coming back at the movie, starting from the plotline till the very ending of how the movie plot synced with the setting was quite an amazing portrayal and without any specific loophole in the storyline. Although, different critics are more likely to have a different perspective on it yet I am focusing on delivering mine. If one is quite lost and needs a little boost, one must watch Night at the Museum. It was really uplifting and an enjoyable one. The main protagonist had nothing working right in his life yet the events unfolded in a promising manner. I wouldn't say we should keep on expecting the unexpected but maybe we can keep on fighting for whom we stand for while one day nature will prove our right position to those in doubt. About history, in this movie, few key aspects existed within, which didn't need an extra specification. The projection of a literary novel like "Gulliver's Travels" bought about certain recurring concepts which revert to the old days which still exist. The difference in perspectives is another aspect that is yet again highlighted along with the invalidity of disputes. Additionally, I would like to tag this movie as an amazing subject for psychoanalysis and deconstructive analysis. Much more relatable concepts can be dug but I was too emersed in the adventurous and character development side that I must say I have missed this one out. Levy clearly pinpoints the details of our daily negotiation in life in a very simple manner which still amazes me.
Image 03- When actions are louder than words, friendship
I was a teenager when I first watched this movie but it is true that I have watched it twice or thrice afterward. It was my first movie by Shawn Levy, after which I have watched more but I must say "the first impression is the last impression". Also, enjoyed all of it, I must say. For me, reminiscing movies, books, animes, mangas, animations are another way of recharging myself.
I would highly encourage eager writers to share their perspectives about this movie which may differ from my perspective and readers might get another glimpse of the same version but in a different light.
{Cover- Source}