Stanger Than Fiction: Will Ferrell's Breakthrough Role?

Fans of Will Ferrell's comedic method of switching off from deadpan to manic will most likely be disappointed by "Stranger than Fiction," a huge departure from his mainstreams comedies, mainly ignored by the box office in favor of his other 2006 film "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."

Which is a real shame.

Unless of course, you see this film as I do, as Ferrell's potential breakthrough role, which could propel him into making films that are not only funny, but intelligent and thought-provoking.

Ferrell's understated portrayal of Harold Krick in the film is a joy to behold, and watching him work alongside incredibly talented actors such as Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, and showing his development into a real person through his relationship with Maggie Gyllenhaal's character really makes you sit up and take notice.

The movie is set in Chicago, with IRS auditor Harold Crick suddenly hearing his life being narrated while brushing his teeth. The narrator seems to be omniscient - and prescient - and driving Harold mad until his journey of discovery leads him to Karen Eifell (Thompson) through English literature professor Hilbert (Hoffman), an author working through writer's block and stuck on just how to kill Harold Krick.

I know this quick plot synopsis makes you wonder how much slapstick and situational comedy you can stand. In this film, the answer is, none. There is none. This is a story of characters, filled with an interesting array of visual elements that keeps you glued to your seat throughout, waiting to find out Harold's demise, and sharing his pain at finally discovering life and love, only to know that he is doomed to die at 8:17 on Wednesday.

Queen Latifah is also wonderful in this film, in her supporting role as the assistant sent to help Eifell break through her block. And pay special attention to Harold's watch, which believe it or not, is a pivotal character in the film.

Every character has character in this film - and all are amazingly well directed by Marc Forster and the people written with heart by British writer Zach Helm.

Fans of "The Truman Show" and "It's A Wonderful Life" should catch this sometimes quirky film about a man who does the right thing, despite the certain knowledge that it will lead to his death. At least, certain according to the unfinished final chapter of the novel which Eifell can't quite seem to put the final period.