The most brilliant aspect about the Fred Rogers biopic, ‘It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ is that it’s not really ABOUT the iconic children’s show host at all. This is a story about brokenness, grace and redemption. Mister Rogers is the nucleus OF it, yes….but, par for the course with the man himself, his is a humble presence.
Of course, Tom Hanks is magical casting. One of the most beloved figures in the film industry portraying one of the most beloved figures in history? This just works. Plus, Hanks rarely shoots for an impersonation of Mister Rogers – he has the cadence and the mannerisms of the man down pretty well, but the hair/makeup department doesn’t go overboard in having their star bring Rogers to life….well, aside from making sure those cardigan sweaters and Keds are just right. The key is understanding their subject and thoughtfully expressing the journey through the man’s famously kind eyes…..and for that, all involved receive an A+.
Based on the 1998 Esquire article, “Can You Say…Hero?”, the film follows troubled journalist Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), assigned to to assemble what is originally to be a short profile on Fred Rogers. Vogel is an interesting candidate for the gig, with a reputation for uncovering the blemishes of his interviewees and undressing them in print. “I don’t do puff pieces,” he huffs to his editor (Christine Lahti). And, sure enough, he goes looking to find some skeletons in Mister Rogers’ closet. In near-desperation to make his piece relatable, Vogel tries almost too hard to tear down the TV personality’s supposed perfection.
Yeah, good luck with that. Especially when Rogers starts counseling to Vogel via those puppets.
Vogel, going through an emotional storm after a lifelong war with his father (Chris Cooper) slowly develops a connection with Rogers and his uncanny ability to both accept and assist in one’s healing. As Hanks demonstrates, Rogers was unorthodox, no doubt. But his gentleness among the sea of surreal was unmatched. Director Marielle Heller (‘Can You Forgive Me’) transitions many of her scenes in ‘It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ using recreations from the familiar set of Rogers’ TV show to represent different locations. In a nightmare scene, Vogel even appears puppet-size in the Land of Make Believe. It’s odd. But it’s so, so effective.
If you want to get an inside peek at the life of Fred Rogers and what made him tick, I’d suggest last year’s documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”. It’s very good. But if you want to get an understanding on the jaw-dropping EFFECT of the gifts Fred Rogers had, and just how much love he had to give – this is the one.
