Pleasantville
Technicolour dreams and people from Buffy.

Now, we all know that if we could instantly be transported into our favorite TV show, the only choice we would have to make is: Buffy or Angel? (Okay, some of us would probably choose Temptation Island, but I won't mention any names... Tal.) But for David (played by Spider-Man himself, Tobey Maguire), his television show of choice is Pleasantville, a black and white '50's sitcom full of good ol' wholesome family values, such as warm greetings, good nutrition, and safe sex... according to the commercials.

Through a little twist of fate, and some help from Don Knotts (would you accept a strange remote control from Don Knotts? Of course you would -- it's Don Knotts!), David and his sister Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon) find themselves warped into the Pleasantville universe, lacking color and all. Yes, David and Jennifer are now Bud and Mary Sue, the kids in the Leave-It-To-Beaveresque family featured in the Pleasantville-based sitcom. So, while they try and find Don Knotts, so that they can get home (and haven't we all felt that way, at some point?), they have to attempt to fit into this perfect little town without interfering or changing anything. Since it's a little town where the basketball team never misses a basket, Firemen are only around to save cats from trees, the end of Main street is just the beginning again, and the most teenagers ever do up at Lover's Lane is *gasp* hold hands they, of course, fail miserably (dang teenage hormones!). And with change, of course, comes color (obviously!). As the movie progresses, the changes, and thus the colors, become more prevalent, and a line is drawn between those who accept the changes, and those who don't (which leads to the use of such signs as "No Coloreds" in store windows).

The main point of the movie is the evolution of character; the realizations that one makes about oneself and one's surroundings that lead to a different outlook on life. The key to the color changes in the movie focus around characters making such realizations, though the necessary epiphany is different for each person. The movie does an excellent job at paralleling issues we've faced in the past (and are still facing), such as differences in race or religious beliefs, censorship, etc., and because of this, it helps the audience perhaps make realizations about themselves in the process. At least, that's what the director was hoping... Did it work? That's something to determine for yourself (you didn't think I was going to tell you the secret to life that was discovered by watching the movie, did you? Of course not! I'm going to sell it!).

What made this movie for me was the acting. Everyone involved did an excellent job with their characters. You have William H. Macy playing Bud and Mary Sue's father, who obviously cares for his family, but feels hopelessly lost and confused when his normal routine is disrupted. You have Joan Allen playing the mother, who is one of the first adults to accept the changist view of the world, and Jeff Daniels as the local proprietor of the Soda Shop, who has a hidden love of painting (not to mention a hidden love for Joan Allen). The interactions (which don't necessarily require words) of these characters with David and Jennifer, not to mention each other, really help emphasize the struggles that each character is going through; a credit to the acting and directing jobs.

And, of course, I can't recommend this movie without mentioning the best reason to watch it: Buffy characters! Yes, that's right you can watch Ex-Initiative, Ex-Slayer-boyfriend Riley (Marc Blucas) in his thought-provoking (though rather silent) role as the "Basketball Hero", as well everyone's favorite recurring character Jonathan (Danny Strong) as the all-important "Juke Box Boy" (and if he's not your favorite recurring character... Well, don't be surprised when the hired goons show up to your house to help persuade you to change your opinion).

Overall, as you may have already been able to determine (perceptive person that you obviously are), I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I thought the humor involved in what goes on 'behind-the-scenes' of a '50's sitcom was well done, as was the use of mixing color with b&w. However, there are some I know who did not care for this movie, for a variety of reasons, but I would recommend watching it, and making your own judgment (I would make a judgment for you, but alas, I have forgotten my judge's robe and gavel and it's just not the same making a judgment without those).

DROOL FACTOR: There's just something about high school girls wearing poodle skirts and sweater sets. Particularly Reese Witherspoon and Marley Shelton (who plays David/Bud's girlfriend, Margaret). Oh, and for you ladies, if school sweaters and greased, 50's style hair, is your thing then there is plenty for you to look at as well (and you can't forget about Riley and Jonathan!)

GROSS-OUT FACTOR: Being based in the perfect world of a '50's sitcom, there is very little, if anything though the somewhat infamous "bath-tub" scene may make some people uncomfortable.

STRONG CHICK FACTOR: While she may not be the type to carry weaponry and fight crime, Joan Allen's Mom character is definitely a strong woman, particularly within the bounds of the Pleasantville universe.

-- K. Burtt

Pleasantville is currently available on video and DVD.

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