Wakefield (2017)

Wakefield Poster

A man's nervous breakdown causes him to leave his wife and live in his attic for several months.

Intro
"Bryan Cranston shines in the existential drama 'Wakefield,' a peculiar, profound expedition of a man who takes an extreme course to self-discovery. The 2017 movie, directed by Robin Swicord and adapted from an E.L. Doctorow short story of the exact same name, is a deep dive into the mind and actions of Howard Wakefield (Bryan Cranston), a successful attorney, who embarks on a bizarre sociological experiment, evaluating the limitations of his lack from his suburban life.

Plot
The plot starts with Wakefield returning house late from work, apparently stuck in a monotonous regimen. He winds up in his garage attic and chooses to remain there, isolating himself from his partner Diana (Jennifer Garner) and kids, to have some alone time. However, this 'time-out' extends forever, lasting for months, throughout which Wakefield sees his family respond to his mystical disappearance.

Character Development
Wakefield invests months alone in the attic, utilizing this duration of isolation as a way to review his life choices and remorses. He deeply contemplates his marital relationship, which he feels is stagnant. He observes his better half and children from a range, recollecting about their past experiences together. This remote and stealthy surveillance offers him an odd sense of control and supremacy, further detaching him from his family. Still, as solitude grows and survival ends up being difficult, he ends up being a shell of his former self.

Story and Themes
'Wakefield' looks into the theme of escapism and reveals the intricacies of marital life. It openly explores a guy's deep-seated desire to leave his tedious life and the connected worry of the unknown outside of his comfort zones. It discusses the dilemma of expectations versus truth in relationships, exposing a deep sense of discontentment and estrangement.

Performances
Bryan Cranston offers a breathtaking efficiency as Howard Wakefield, perfecting his character's existential crisis. Jennifer Garner, who plays Diana, is also good, skillfully portraying subtle emotions of worry, confusion, sadness, and ultimate approval.

Conclusion
'Wakefield' is an interesting movie about self-induced isolation and its implications. Howard Wakefield's strange journey into the world of vision, detachment, and ultimate isolation supplies an introspective look into life's real worths and concerns. The movie uses an unique premise to astutely touch upon essential human beliefs of isolation, liberty, and identity.

The ending is as remarkable as its facility, with Wakefield deciding to face his family at last. Nevertheless, the audience is left wondering whether he will be accepted or avoided. In its totality, 'Wakefield' is a thought-provoking expedition that boldly challenges social standards and conveniences in the pursuit of self-discovery and liberation.

Top Cast

  • Bryan Cranston (small)
    Bryan Cranston
    Howard Wakefield
  • Jennifer Garner (small)
    Jennifer Garner
    Diana Wakefield
  • Jason O'Mara (small)
    Jason O'Mara
    Dirk Morrison
  • Beverly D'Angelo (small)
    Beverly D'Angelo
    Babs
  • Ian Anthony Dale (small)
    Ian Anthony Dale
    Ben Jacobs
  • Pippa Bennett-Warner (small)
    Pippa Bennett-Warner
    Emily
  • Ellery Sprayberry (small)
    Ellery Sprayberry
    Giselle
  • Victoria Bruno
    Taylor
  • Monica Lawson (small)
    Monica Lawson
    Ellen
  • Isaac Leyva
    Herbert
  • Frederick Keeve (small)
    Frederick Keeve
    Professor