Background:
My love for Hitchhikers Guide started with the movie. I'll say that up front... I'm not a clever bookworm that had a love for these books before the movie came out. That said, the first time I saw the movie, at the drive-in, I didn't love it. But when it came out on video, I gave it another shot... I liked it a little more. But by the third viewing, I was pretty hooked in to the quirky British humor and the amazing cast. My wife was actually in to it too... probably more than I was initially. I got online, did some more research... in the meantime, we had bought her a copy of the leather-bound "Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide" containing all five books and Douglas Adam's final short story in the series. Soon after, I bought myself a copy.
Next, after repeat viewings, I bought a copy of the DVD. To clarify a point, I buy very few DVD's... only things I think I can't live without, especially when you consider any movie's relative proximity with the glory of Netflix.
Opportunity:
All this purchasing went on over a year ago, but I pull the movie out every once in a while. Last weekend however, I was sick in bed. So sick, that I actually STAYED in bed. I decided to watch Hitchhiker's Guide. Once it was over, instead of getting out of bed to grab another movie, I watched all the special features. Then, I decided to watch the first of two commentary tracks, with Director Garth Jennings, Martin Freeman, who plays Arthur Dent, Bill Nighy, who plays Slartibartfast, and producer Nick Goldsmith. This was so much fun! So many funny little anecdotes about filming... little spotlights on all the quirky tributes to Douglas... and insight into the production and acting process. It explained a lot, and pointed out many little details... which always make me more interested in something. God is in the details.
After the first commentary track finished, I watched the other one. This one was by producer Robbie Stamp and Sean Solle, a colleague and close friend of Douglas Adams. This track also pointed out many of the little intricacies of filming, but also had a lot of background as to the story telling style and creative method of Douglas thanks to Sean. This was very educational, and highly entertaining to any HHGTTG fan.
What makes this so special?:
The words that always come to mind when I think of Hitchhiker's Guide are clever, brilliant, random, quirky, and bizarre. It's just such a great collection of ideas, humor, and wit. Think of a sci-fi, British comedy, love story. The movie captures it so perfectly, and the actors are SO in tune with the feel of the stories. Sam Rockwell who plays Zaphod Beeblebrox is just amazing. It has to be one of my favorite performances of a character ever. He just completely throws himself at this role and it turns out so ridiculously hilarious, whilst also taking on a slightly new form different from the books or radio shows. Martin Freeman portrays Arthur Dent in that perfect, slightly flawed British every-man. Just reading the rest of the cast should make anyone want to see this movie: Zooey Deschanel, Alan Rickman, John Malkovich, Mos Def, Bill Nighy, Stephen Fry, and Helen Mirren!
I'd be surprised if you've never been told the answer to life is "42". A seemingly insignificant joke, that has somehow become a piece of comic and sci-fi history. It's just one of many set pieces from Hitchhiker's guide. The Babel Fish, the importance of a towel, "Don't Panic... There are just too many little tidbits to list that make these stories, and this movie unique.
Motive:
With the recent refresh of movies put on Blu-ray, the movie is back in my brain again. It's on my short list of movies to buy, and an even shorter list of movies to re-buy. But how it goes beyond just that... while looking around online for the best prices for a Blu-ray copy, I couldn't help but uncover props and memorabilia. It took a lot for me to not just order a Point Of View Gun from Amazon, or a first edition copy of the first book.
Final word:
So, I guess what I'm getting around to... is that I love this movie, this book, this story. During the date range listed in the title, I could have been seen posting quotes on my Facebook, answering people's questions with "42", or downloading wallpapers of Marvin, the Paranoid Android.
Recommendation:
Of course! It's very easy to recommend a movie... it's only an hour and a half obligation. A book, a little more so. But it is a great read, and very fast. I did stop in the middle of the third book... and need to start up again. But do yourself a favor and add this to your Netflix queue... it is AMAMZING on Blu-ray... unlike those crappy Warner Brother's releases.
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