As is customary every year, in 2024, I had the opportunity to meet numerous photographers at Lake Kerkini and engage in plenty of conversations and chit-chats.
I was astonished to discover that numerous photographers have yet to experience the film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013), a captivating blend of drama, comedy, and adventure centred around the art of photography.
The story follows Walter Mitty (portrayed by Ben Stiller) a negative assets manager at Life magazine living in New York City. Walter works with legendary photojournalist Sean O’Connell (portrayed by Sean Penn), although they have never met in person. At the beginning of the film, Walter receives a negative roll from Sean with a wallet as a gift in appreciation of Walter’s work over the years. A letter from Sean explains that he believes negative #25 captures the “quintessence of life” and should be used for the cover of the magazine’s final print issue before it becomes exclusively digital, yet the negative is missing from the roll.
Walter sets out on a quest to find the elusive negative, endeavoring to locate Sean. Along the way, he encounters a string of improbable adventures across different corners of the globe, undergoing a profound transformation from a typical individual into a heroic figure who unearths his authentic identity and value.
The film offers a unique blend of the real world and the world of dreams and fantasy while also highlighting the importance of self-discovery, taking bold steps, and finding oneself through the adventures we live.
Personally, I thoroughly enjoy the performance of Stiller and the film as a whole. While I may not be a film expert or critic, I find it to be a delightful film that conveys an important message to all viewers. It encourages us not to hesitate but to dare to take the necessary steps in life to pursue happiness.
The cinematography, featuring stunning landscapes from locations such as Iceland, Afghanistan, and Greenland, is exceptional, and the music perfectly complements the visuals.
The film features two of the best songs I’ve ever heard.
Moreover, the film showcases one of the most captivating dialogue I’ve encountered in cinema, particularly from the perspective of a photographer or an image creator.
I would argue that Sean’s words capture the essence of a nature and wildlife photographer and videographer. At times, in our pursuit of capturing the perfect image, we may lose sight of why we became nature and wildlife image creators in the first place: our profound love for nature and wildlife.
Sean O’Connell: Beautiful things don’t ask for attention.
….
Walter Mitty: When are you going to take it?
Sean O’Connell: Sometimes I don’t. If I like a moment, I mean me, personally, I don’t like to have the distraction of the camera. Just wanna stay in it.
Walter Mitty: Stay in it?
Sean O’Connell: Yeah, right there, right here. Now, it’s gone. It’s gone
I always advise fellow photographers/videographers to take a moment to pause and not only capture images but also immerse themselves at the moment, especially when they find themselves in some of the most breathtaking locations on Earth, such as Lake Kerkini.
If you have some free time, I highly recommend watching “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” I’m confident you’ll enjoy it. Find it on Netflix.
In 2016, Rolling Stone magazine asked readers to choose their top 10 Ben Stiller movies. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was rated as Stiller’s third-best film.
