Despite a promising story line, a credible cast and the magic of 3D cinematography, Everything Will be Fine doesn’t measure up. Wim Wenders’ film, due to open in theatres in Canada on December 11, lands with a thud.
Tomas (James Franco), a novelist living in the Quebec countryside, has fallen into a funk. He’s struggling with a writer’s block and his relationship with his girlfriend, Sara (Rachel McAdams), has frayed. As he drives home in the dead of winter of a snow-bound landscape, he hits a boy.
Much to his relief, Christopher is none too worse for wear, though he doesn’t respond to Tomas’ friendly questions. Tomas deposits him with his mother, Kate (Charlotte Gainsbourg), who freaks out upon seeing her son. It’s a bizarre reaction, but it’s in keeping with the unsettling spirit of the movie, which is borne along by an undercurrent of angst and foreboding.
Everything Will Be Fine is shot in dark, monochromatic tones. The skies are leaden, and even when the sun seems to be shining, its rays are blocked out by the 3D glasses. As a result, the atmosphere is uniformly gloomy and morose.
The gloom permeates the protagonists. Tomas, having been deeply affected by the accident, tries to commit suicide. He visits his father, only to be given a scolding. Virtually the only bright moment occurs when Tomas’ publisher encourages him to finish his latest novel. “You’re on to something,” he says.
The film unfolds over a 10-year period and Tomas is at the center of the drama. His novel is finally published, but he still suffers from pangs of guilt. He returns to the scene of the accident to talk with Kate and Christopher, hoping to exorcise his demons.
He leaves Sara and hooks up with Ann (Marie-Josee Croze), a publishing house editor. Christopher (Robert Naylor), now a lanky teenager, returns to center stage as he attempts to connect with Tomas by voicing admiration for his novels.
One of the problems with this film is that the characters speak in a low, almost inaudible monotone. One wonders if their speaking style is a reflection of weakness or strength.
The 3D special effects can be visually arresting, but they don’t really contribute substantively to the film.
Everything Will Be Fine drags on for too long, bogging down in its depressive mood.