I can't think of movie that does a better job of embracing and exploring the notion of change than Pleasantville. The idea of change isn't just a dynamic pushing viewers through to the end, it is the entire story.
Twins David (Tobey Maguire) and Jen (Reese Witherspoon) live a less than ideal life. Their father is gone and, we're left to assume, wants nothing to do with them. Their mom isn't much better; she'd rather spend time with her significantly younger boyfriend than deal with her two teenage kids. As such, the two are left to themselves. Jen is, as she puts it, "doing the slut thing," while David spends his nights in front of the TV watching reruns of the 50's sitcom, "Pleasantville."
One night, the two get in a fight over the remote. Jen wants to watch a concert and David wants to watch a "Pleasantville" marathon and, hopefully, win $1000 in the related trivia contest. The remote breaks and, almost immediately, they are visited by a TV Repairman (Don Knotts), who replaces the twin's broken remote with a very special one that transports the two into the TV world of "Pleasantville."
Life in Pleasantville is, well, pleasant. That is, if you think a black-and-white world with only two streets and cookie-cutter people is pleasant. At this point, Pleasantville could easily jump right into a one-sided send up of 1950's television tropes. But, then it wouldn't be as great a movie. Rather than go for the quick gag, Pleasantville aims for something higher.
Pleasantville rarely seems to get the credit it rightfully deserves. Using the idea of 1950's television family values as a springboard, it manages to launch into semi-deep social commentary and satire. Although it tends to push some notions on viewers a little too hard, it's still enjoyable and never gets to the point where it feels like you're being clubbed over the head with a "message."
Once the twins are in Pleasantville, the two don't take to their new surroundings all that well. David, who is amused at being in an episode of the show, wants to let things be while he finds a way home. Jen, on the other hand, decides to shake things up. It begins with educating Skip (Paul Walker) about the joys of "parking" at Lover's Lane (and I don't mean holding hands). From there, the duo's influence spreads and eventually the residents of Pleasantville begin to discover art, literature and even sex.
Part of the reason Pleasantville is so successful at communicating it's views without forcing the issue is it's visual style. As the kids become more involved in citizens' lives, color is literally introduced into their grey world. They change from black-and-white cardboard cutouts into colorful, free-thinking individuals. The effect isn't as remarkable now as it was in 1998, but the slow introduction of color into their monochrome world packs a lot of punch as far as visual storytelling is concerned.
The visual change is especially noticeable on the Blu-ray transfer. The black-and-white only scenes suffer a bit, though the first time Skip (Paul Walker) sees a red rose, it really stands out. It is such a great effect I was disappointed with the lack of a special feature covering the process. It's explored in a very short shot breakdown, but the vignette doesn't do the process, or really the movie, justice.
Actually, I was disappointed with most of the included extras. In addition to the "Art of Pleasantville" feature, which covers the visual effects and other visual elements, every extra was included in the original DVD. Writer/ Director Gary Ross' commentary is entertaining, if only for the chance to pick his mind about the film's deeper meanings, though forgettable. Also included is an isolated music track with accompanying commentary from composer Randy Newman. Finally, there's a music video for "Across the Universe" featuring Fiona Apple (and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson).
When you get back to it, the real star is the film. It's become a bit of "forgotten favorite" for me, and as it turns out, everyone I've talked to since watching the Blu-ray. It's a fun, original movie that you can watch and enjoy, but also pushes you to think a little more than most movies.
Though it deserves a better Blu-ray release, Pleasantville is worth adding to your collection.
