“You learned a new language, you got yourself an education and a nitwit husband and you are holding that family together. You will have no problem learning how to drive.” This is one of many smart remarks that we get from the main character Otto in the dramedy film “A Man Called Otto,” directed by Marc Forster.
Otto, played by Oscar winning actor Tom Hanks, is a grumpy old man who’s about to call it quits on life. He meets kind people throughout the film which help him change his view on life. Along with helping the people he meets, he also has to stop greedy real estate agents from kicking him and his old neighbors out. His neighbor Marisol, played by Mariana Treviño, helps Otto become a part of the neighborhood again with the help of some homemade food.
A theme that is prevalent in the film is although life can close some doors, some doors also open up, and you should be willing to walk into new opportunities. This film is a good example of its genre, as it has its fair share of ups and downs, although the main story of Otto can sound rather grim in the beginning.
Tom Hanks does a sensational delivery in his role, as he displays how although Otto seems apathetic at first, he does start to care more about his neighbors as the story progresses. Mariana Treviño also plays a great role, as in a crucial scene she tells Otto that he needs to change when he asks for her help, showing how he realizes he needs to change his ways. A great use was the lighting, as it helped make Otto’s life appear darker and also shine a lone light in decisive moments. The movie is actually based on a Swedish book written by Fredrik Backman, and the movie helps give a midwestern twist to it, and the neighborhood matches up pretty well with some of Otto’s beliefs, too. Overall, the movie was a great watch, and will certainly leave viewers satisfied.