Sometimes we need a movie to do nothing more than make us feel good while watching it. And while there are certainly deeper, more complex themes at play in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, it is, quite simply at its core, a feel-good movie. And how could it not be, considering Fred Rogers and his beloved television show serve as its back drop?
Inspired by Tom Junod’s 1998 profile in Esquire, “Can You Say…Hero?” (a fascinating read), the film’s story follows Esquire journalist Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) as he profiles Mr. Rogers (Tom Hanks) for an upcoming issue on heroes. Vogel is a known cynic, believing that Mr. Rogers’ wholesome exterior may be more act than truth. But throughout their time together, Vogel comes to see Mr. Rogers for the amazing man that he is, even allowing Mr. Rogers to help heal some of his own demons along the way.
A simple look at complex ideas
If that basic plot description sounds simple and straightforward, that’s because it is. But even so, A Beautiful Day is not without its depth. It was not uncommon for Mr. Rogers’ show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, to deal with heavier, more complicated topics. But because it was a children’s show, it was done in a simplified, easy to understand way. But that didn’t make it any less powerful or impactful. That was part of the magic of the show.
And so too, does A Beautiful Day deal with its characters’ emotional issues in much the same way. One of the ongoing storylines is Vogel’s relationship with his estranged father, Jerry (Chris Cooper). Here, the movie refrains from becoming a Psych 101 lecture. Instead it shows Mr. Rogers speak to Vogel with kindness and empathy, just as he does to the kids that make up his show’s audience. He provides Vogel a safe space where he can open up and talk through his complicated feelings towards his father. He allows Vogel the chance to work through these feelings on his own. Not only that, he lets Vogel know his feelings are valid, that it’s okay to feel the way he does. And when you can accept that, when you’re not feeling like you have to defend the way you feel, that’s when you can really start to make sense of these kinds of emotional conflicts. That’s what Mr. Rogers afforded the kids who watched his show, and it’s what he affords Lloyd Vogel as well.
Unique perspective
In a fitting narrative decision, Mr. Rogers is not the movie’s main character. No, that distinction belongs to Vogel. And from what we know about Mr. Rogers, I can’t help but believe he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. He was never one for the spotlight, even while living in it for decades. And not only did this make sense from that standpoint, but it made for a more compelling story as well.
So many of us still have a personal connection to Mr. Rogers and his show. We know what kind of person he is. We don’t need a movie following him as he talks to his fans, children and adults alike. What A Beautiful Day gives us instead is an intense look at how Mr. Rogers impacted one particular individual.
Seeing Mr. Rogers be kind to each and every person he interacts with in a given day would have been happy and positive on its own, of course. But by focusing on Vogel, and his relationship with Mr. Rogers, we are treated to inside access of how those interactions affect someone, what happens to that person after the conversation is done, after the picture has been taken. Seeing someone be kindness is one thing. But seeing real life benefits of that kindness is another, better thing, altogether.
Lessons for all
While Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was a show for children, A Beautiful Day demonstrates that the lessons Mr. Rogers wanted to impart are not only valid, but important for those of all ages. Be kind, to others and to yourself. Talk about your feelings. Each day is a gift. There’s value in everything you do. The list goes on and on.
Everyone will be able to see themselves in Lloyd Vogel to some degree. And if Lloyd Vogel can take these lessons to heart and change his life for the better, then so can we. And if that’s not a vintage Fred Rogers lesson, I don’t know what is.
Remarkably, A Beautiful Day is not preachy, something a movie like this easily could have been. But with a smart script, and pitch perfect direction from Marielle Heller, these lessons feel as natural as the decision to cast Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers (this is absolutely a “nobody but him” type role).
Touching tribute to a great man
While not truly a “Mr. Rogers story,” A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood uses Fred Rogers’ life and his philosophy to show how simply being kind to others can have enormous impact.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood feels like more than a movie. It’s a reminder to us all that there is goodness to be found everywhere; we just have to make the effort to slow down and look for it.
The Verdict: 9/10
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is now playing in theaters everywhere.