Page 31 - PGA Community News - November '24

November 2024
November 2024 2 Spaces PGA C.A.N.!, Page 31

Film Review: Will & Harper

By Nils A. Shapiro now view the world as on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, where Harper shows
You can bet your house that this film will be nominated a woman? And how Will a house he had secretly purchased years earlier
for Best Documentary at the next Academy Awards. As would the world view in anticipation of this time in his life—and the deeply
The New York Times reviewer noted, it “brought the house Harper…as a woman? emotional reason why—that the heart of the film grips
down” at the 40th Sundance Film Festival last January It turns out to be us once again.
with a standing ovation from the audience as the end quite a ride: a 17-day Then, when Will reaches into his pocket for a gift
credits rolled. road trip starting in he has been saving for the right moment and hands it to
I can understand why. New York City, with Harper, we recognize its symbolic perfection and cannot
Rarely does a film combine so genuine a combination stops in Washington help but realize that everyone should have a friend like
of friendship, heart and humor that—for most viewers—it D.C….Beech Will Ferrell.
would be difficult not to be affected by it. Grove, Indiana… That kind of friendship alone deserved the standing
And yet, considering its subject matter and the present Peoria, Illinois… ovation at Sundance.
thinking of a segment of our nation’s population, my Meeker, Oklahoma…
statement may be going a step too far. Since Will & Harper Amarillo, Texas…Las
just premiered in September on Netflix after a limited Vegas, Nevada…on to
theatrical release, I will leave it to you to judge its impact Los Angeles. Attention:
for yourself. I will, in this column, simply explain what Just before they start out¸ Will and Harper meet for
awaits you if that Sundance standing ovation and my own breakfast at a Diner with Harper’s two teenage daughters.
wholehearted recommendation are enough to convince It soon becomes clear that, while their father’s radical PGA Residents Of
you that it deserves your attention. change came as a shock to the two girls it did not diminish
The “Will” in this film’s title is Will Ferrell, one of their love for him, a reflection of their feelings and Mellowing Years
today’s most popular stars of comedy movies who rose understanding that affects us in the film’s audience as
to fame as a regular on the Saturday Night Live TV show. much as it does Will Ferrell. A single phone number may help you to
From the very beginning his persona has been that of a While much of the humor takes place during the on-the- live confidently and gracefully in your own
sweet, nice, big, easy-going guy who never minds playing road driving scenes, and there are a great many laughs as home.
a “goofy”character if called on to do so. After years of you would expect from Will Ferrell and a comedy sketch Now there is a volunteer senior ambassador
success on that show he switched to Hollywood and has writer, some of the film’s most poignant, dramatic—and within PGA community who is well-schooled
starred in a number of successful films. also the less than pleasant moments—take place during in resources available to help with problems
While at SNL, among his friends was one of the their brief stopovers in typical American small towns and of elders. The Alpert family and Children’s
Services has been helping seniors do just that
comedy sketch writers, a 61-year-old married man. So it cities. for many years.
was a significant surprise to Will more than a year ago It is important to point out that this film does not set out • You have questions? We may have answers.
when he received a call from that friend, Harper Steele, to preach to its audience. Many will likely come away with • You don’t know where to go? We can guide
explaining that—now a she—had, after more than 40 years the same fixed opinion on the subject they previously had. you.
of emotional and psychological confusion and suffering, But there is no way one can watch this film without being • You don’t know what you need? We’re
finally got divorced and transitioned to the woman he better informed, and with a more visceral understanding well-versed in that problem.
always felt he should be, including the accompanying of what it means to live the transgender experience. • Do you know a neighbor who needs help?
surgery, and wanted to know if Will would meet with her. For example, at a Diner along the way the waitress takes Don’t wait. Call now. Dorothy Weiss, 624-
The result of that meeting, as one way to help Harper Will’s order then turns to Harper and asks, “And what will 4035. Let’s keep connected with each other as
find her way back into the world, was the decision for you have, Sir?,” then apologizes with embarrassment when a community. All you need is the desire to live
these two friends to drive cross-country together and to Will interrupts her by ordering for his “lady friend.” comfortably in your own home.
film that experience as a documentary. How would Harper But it is when the two arrive in a small beach town

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