Oskar Schell is the precociou
s protagonist of the Jonathan Safran Foer novel, EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE. Oskar is a nine year old boy with an unending curiosity. He speaks French, makes jewellery and best of all, thinks up fantastical inventions in the way that only a child can. Oskar ponders over an ambulance that says ‘hes going to be fine!’ instead of a siren and a teakettle that whistles melodies.
Who better to play Oscar in the film adaptation of Foer’s novel than established child prodigy Thomas Horn, who won first place on Jeopardy! this year. Now, most of us UK based folk have only heard of Jeopardy! via (insert any American sitcom here) but apparently, winning $31,800 on the show is no easy feat, particularly if your only TWELVE years old. While Horn has certainly earned his general knowledge dues, this will be his first ever acting role. Luckily, he has a beautifully innocent face which despite his achievement, is devoid of smugness. He may well do the part justice.
In the book, Oskar acts as a key narrator, though this line of storytelling changes tack throughout. It was one of the first post 9/11 novels as, in the story, Oskar’s father has recently been killed in the terrorist attack. One year later, Oskar makes an odd discovery in his father’s clothes closet: a small key in a tiny envelope upon which is inscribed the name (or word) “Black.” The discovery provokes a diversion for his loss, prompting Oskar to begin the exploration that consumes much of the story:
“I decided I would meet every person in New York with the last name Black. Even if it was relatively insignificant, it was something, and I needed to do something, like sharks, who die if they don’t swim, which I know about.”
I am interested to see what director Stephen Daly’s creation will entail. As with Foer’s first novel Everything is illuminated, the story is a bit of a chronological jigsaw. Tom Hanks has been cast as Oskar’s father, so we can already assume that his presence in the movie will be achieved using regular flashbacks. Sandra Bullock will play the role of Oskar’s mother.
EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE was not as critically acclaimed as Foer’s first novel. However, it is well known for its powerful use of visuals, such as a succession of images that reveal a man falling from the twin towers. Superb cinematography is a must for this adaptation to work. At present, cinematographer Harris Savides is listed as part of the crew. Savides previous work includes MILK and GREENBERG. Foer’s story could well be safe.
