In a late 90s world full of loud music and questionable fashion, David (Tobey Maguire) finds himself turning to his favorite hokey old 50s TV show "Pleasantville" to escape from it all. Things take an unexpected turn when he and his sister (Reese Witherspoon) find themselves trapped inside the world of the show where everything is perfect, everybody conforms, it never rains, and everything is black and white, and the two of them flip this perfect world upside down.
This film is very special to me. The acting is all great, especially from Joan Allen, William H. Macy, and Jeff Daniels as the confused adults in this perfect 1950s setting. The score by Randy Newman is beautiful, and the special effects are really well done. Most importantly, though, I really love the message behind this movie. Color is introduced into this world when its citizens find themselves breaking the "rules," as it were. Having sex, standing up for themselves, expressing themselves...it's a visual sign of how you can come alive when you decide to ask questions and make up your own mind and be yourself. It's a lesson we can all be reminded of when we find ourselves sleepwalking through life. Movies can do that for you.
If you haven't seen this one, I highly recommend it. It's very underrated and quite lovely. And if you've already seen it, well, revisit it. It's a good one.
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