Eddie (Jon Voight) was a simple man. He worked for an amusement park, served his country and fell in love like many others before him. He was not interesting; he did not possess any qualities that might make those around him consider him to be extraordinary, and, yet, his story is one that demands attention. His life had fallen by the wayside and his death was quickly approaching; quicker than anyone knew. As that average life comes to a close, a new beginning and an even more important story begins.
Writer, Mitch Albom, presents his audiences with a story of love and sacrifice. Eddie helps viewers navigate the often rocky waters of the afterlife and takes them on a journey that dabbles in the idea of loving more than others, but loving and accepting yourself for who you are. Albom, through Eddie, makes viewers reevaluate their lives. He makes them question their motives and their ability to touch the people around them. The lesson is that we do more throughout the course of our lives than we realize. Every move we make, every decision we make will be reflected not only in our own lives, but in the lives of the people around us (whether we know it or not). The message was clear, thanks to the numerous actors and their appealing performances.
Voight, Ellen Burstyn (Ruby), Jeff Daniels (Blue Man) and Michael Imperioli (Captain) portrayed characters whose lives were, through sacrifice, examples of Albom’s message. The acting was simple and precise. Their ability to portray characters that were both in emotional pain and bliss at the same time was something unlike anything I had seen before. Each of them was able to showcase terrifying loss, and, yet, their ability to display hope and love shined through. Casting director, Lynn Kressel, chose immensely gifted actors to portray these powerful characters and each choice she made proved to be just as beautiful as the last. Simplicity through every facet of the film allowed Albom’s message to stand out and take precedence over everything else, leaving audiences with a sense of accomplishment and tranquility.
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