Arz Speaks

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004): Knowing It the Deeper Sense

Movie Review

The first time I saw Lemony Snicket`s is in my board mate’s laptop, I was intrigued by this message: "I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant ..." It goes on to warn that "the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast" and suggests "putting this book down at once."

You know the time to watch such movie, aside from the fact that I was intrigued. I was more like curious so I watched it disregarding the message. So ended up watching the movie instead of the Cheaper By a Dozen. I learned that the Lemony Snicket`s A Series of Unfortunate Events was directed by Brad Silberling in 2004. The lead casts are Liam Aiken as Klaus one of the protagonist the intelligent and the one who read books among the Baudelaire siblings and who always thinks what is the plan, Emily Browning as Violet Baudelaire, the inventive one in the siblings how improvised things to escape from the pitfalls made by Count Olaf and is one of the protagonist, Kara and Shelby Hoffman as the baby sister who has a sharp teeth that would later in the film be revealed on how her sharp teeth help the siblings survive the unfortunate events and also one of the protagonist, Jim Carrey as Count Olaf, the antagonist in the "Lemony Snicket". He is known for having an almost bald head, only one eyebrow, and the infamous eye tattoo on his left ankle. He later disguises himself as Mr. Stephano / Captain Sham. Jude Law who dubbed the voice of Lemony Snicket as the narrator. The secondary characters Timothy Spall as Mr. Poe, Catherine O`Hara as Justice Strauss, Billy Connolly as uncle Monty and Meryl Streep as Aunt Josephine.



The movie was about the Baudelaire siblings, a clever trio, each with their own particular talents and sensibilities. The eldest, Violet (Emily Browning), is a resourceful and brilliant little girl with a gift for inventing gadgets. Her younger brother Klaus (Liam Aiken) is an avid reader of books and remember every odd fact he reads. Finally there’s little Sunny (Kara and Shelby Hoffman) who, despite not quite being able to speak, has found other uses for her four tiny teeth.




The children’s lives are turned upside down when a sudden and mysterious fire destroys their home, killing their parents, who also happened to leave behind a small fortune for the children to inherit when they come of age. Things get worse when it turns out the Baudelaire’s new guardian will be their “beloved” Count Olaf (Jim Carrey), a complete stranger who is really only interested in the children’s money.



The movie started with a happy scene and then interrupted by the narrator with a message saying that the story is not the typical children movies who has colorful imagery and light environment suitable for kids. As I go on with the movie, I notice the costume design wherein the clothes perfectly fit as to where the setting and the other film elements to come up with a real place scenario and but I don`t understand the way other place or setting as if it is full of exaggeration which leads to the confusing of the viewers. I like the cinematography where techniques were combined to come up the best environment that also leads to the clear showing of movie tone. Scoring or the soundtrack is excellent although it did not work with all the scenes it was over-used particularly in the scene where the authorities are having investigation on Uncle Monty`s death.

There is no question on the set design, for me the movie must give credits to the set desin where it gave an overall impact on the experience of the movie. I love the writing where I can`t even predict what will be the next to happen because of the transition of the scene is very good although I`m waiting for the happy ending and the perfect foster home for them and the script where it gives an idea of the dialogue is not to be separated with the gestures or actions made by actors and actresses. For me the editing was good as to the level of editing nowadays like the Superman, Thor and the like. Though it is very obvious that the snake is computer-generated in the scene where Sunny is being cuddled by a giant snake.

With a great sense of humor, a great cast, and wonderful production design, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is a fun movie for both kids and adults. It's a great adaptation of the novel, but I recommend younger kids to watch it with adults because it has a long psychological effect for the children.