Do you ever find yourself upset or angry with the weather man? Have you ever had the urge to throw a fast food menu item at him or her when you see him on the street? Yeah, me either. Honestly, I think there is a part of me that both envies and empathizes with the weather man. On one hand, they are one of the only jobs on the face of the planet where you can consistently mess up at your job and still retain it. I’m not trying to belittle the career – just trying to be honest. The same reason that causes my envy, also causes my empathy. I couldn’t understand or live with someone constantly being mad at me. Let’s face the fact, no one likes or wants to be the enemy. We just want to keep our head down and try to get through the day.
Nicholas Cage’s 2005 film, The Weather Man, dares to tell the story of a Chicago Weatherman after the cameras go off. Cage plays Dave Spritz who is at a crossroads in multiple parts of his life. As a son, he is slowly watching his father die (Michael Caine). As a father, he is trying to stay relevant and connected with his children (Nicholas Hoult, Gemmenne de la Peña). While also trying to save his marriage with his wife, Noreen (Hope Davis). Cage is consistently searching for connection and relationship throughout the entirety of the film – all while trying to search for a new job in New York. If the film sounds busy, that’s because it unapologetically is.
The film successfully walks viewers through all facets of David Spritz’ life marvelously. As a character study, the film is intriguing and engaging. Creating an environment that continuously takes viewers on a journey of a man’s slow decent into depression. Ultimately answering the question, how does a man gauge happiness. Cage delivers a dynamic performance as Spritz. Consistently entertaining viewers throughout the film’s duration. Cage manages to create a performance which is powerful – both verbally and non-verbally. The film is littered with several sequences in which Cage doesn’t have to say anything – his facial mannerisms are enough to convey the emotion of the sequence. A trait which becomes his calling card throughout the film’s duration. Director, Gore Verbinski, and cinematographer, Phedon Papamichael, only add to this film’s shining moments.
As a character study, the film is a marvelous piece of cinema. Though, as a movie it doesn’t quite reach the level of the story its’ trying to tell. Hoult & Pena both have arcs which largely derail the movie’s narrative. Attempting to tell a secondary story with Hoult’s character that ambitiously goes no where. It’s when Weather Man steps outside of its’ identity that it vastly falls fall. Though, the supporting cast in Davis & Caine don’t add a whole lot to the larger narrative – they still deliver on the quality of performances we’ve come to know from them.
Overall, The Weather Man, is intriguing character study. Divulging into a drama of man’s search for connection, peace and love – the very basics of human emotions. Weather Man is well enveloped in its narrative. Delivering story telling of Nicholas Cage as a son, father and struggling husband. Cage manages to engage audiences through his performance and facial expressions. When met with the marriage of Gore Verbinski’s directing and Phedon Papamichael’s cinematography – Weather Man manages to become a compelling film. Though, when it steps out of its identity, the quality of the movie largely falls. Side arcs of Nicholas Hoult, Gemmenne de la Peña, Hope Davis & Michael Caine begin to poison the film. Cinematically directing itself into forgettable territory. The performances are still good, just void of purpose. Still, cast your sights to The Weather Man because this one is sunny with a chance of rain.
RORSCHACH RATING
And more importantly, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, addiction, self-harm or depression - please free feel to reach out. Use any of our resources, call the suicide lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or text 741-741.
Music by Beggars. The Weather Man is property of Paramount Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights.