Problematic Esquire journalist Lloyd Vogel gets the assignment to write a short article about the kind Fred Rogers, the host of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood. Even though skeptical at first, Lloyd is gradually enchanted by Rogers’ humanity as he accompanies him through the TV studio and daily walks, and is persuaded by Rogers to make up with his estranged father before the latter’s death. The article is so beloved by the editor, it gets on the front page.
If you are tired of nihilistic, misanthropic, cynical movies, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood“ will be your hero of the season. It features one of the most endearing, sympathetic and fascinating characters lately, Fred Rogers (excellent Tom Hanks), who is such a gentle soul and has such wise innocence that he is able to heal any person he encounters, including the journalist Lloyd Vogel who is interviewing him and has a tragic past. Surprisingly, the movie completely embraces Rogers and his mentality, finding no darker sides or faults in him, no need to be reserved, and it is thus remarkable to have such a positive, considerate character appear on the big screen, which itself feels almost therapeutic. In one sequence, upon trying to schedule an interview with him, Lloyd receives a phone call from Rogers, so he exits the noisy apartment, to the hallway, as Rogers tells him: “You know what’s the most important thing in the world to me now? Talking on the phone with Lloyd Vogel.” Rogers is so nice he stops ever so often to thank everyone he meets, including thanking Lloyd’s wife for picking up the telephone; and as Rogers and Lloyd are traveling in a subway train, a bunch of kids see Rogers and spontaneously start singing the theme song from his TV show: “Won’t you be my neighbor...” This ‘slice of life’ movie does not always work, for instance in the agonizing sequence of Lloyd making up with his sick father, which crosses the good taste and goes into the melodramatic territory, yet other than that, the director Marielle Heller keeps it under control, including with humor (imitating Rogers’ miniature sets, many exterior scenes here are presented as miniatures, including toy cars on a bridge and paper buildings). "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" is one of those movies where one character carries the entire identity of the story, and one is surprised how benign and kind he is, since he shows that sometimes kind words can unlock an iron door.
Grade:+++
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