The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty: Film Versus Novel

The film Big Fish directed by Tim Burton speaks about adventure and imagination in life. Spectra is a utopia town upon which Edwards stumbles as he makes his way through the dark and difficult forest filled with grey skies and spider webs. Cut off from the rest of the society, spectra can exist divorced from the rest of the world, making its unique society where rules are limited and shoes were not worn. Spectra is an almost heavenly place, where all desires are met and fun is placed throughout the atmosphere. Eccentric people seek the adventure of a lifetime in the town of Spectra. The film makes a significant statement to appreciate the good things in life. Expressing that people need to embrace what is going on around them, as well as their memories. The little things in life are what counts in the end, and we will only wish to relive that given moment. With that being said, “The ending is always a surprise” (Big Fish)

In addition to the novel “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” by James Thurber. The story incorporates adventure and imagination within the character of Walter Mitty. He seeks imagination by daydreaming as he drives. His imagination is unique and interests him so well he speeds up while driving that concerns his wife beside him about his speed on the road. The way Walter’s imagination is described is so fascinating, it’s as if Walter is lost in his world. It appeals to Walter so much, but as he awakens from his daydream by his bossy wife, things go back to reality. “Live life by the ABC’s…adventure, bravery and creativity” (Thurber, 34). In one sense, Walter Mitty character illustrates how rich and vivid our fantasy lives can be. Ideally, our fantasies can be creative but still feedback into our regular day-to-day lives. Life itself is an adventure. Whether it be daydreaming or reality it’s on you for creating your purpose in life.

As to my life, I’d say I make it somewhat adventurous. Although I may not daydream as rare as Walter Mitty, or live in a town that’s filled with delightfulness, I would say I made my life as adventurous and astonishing as it could ever be. Although there were challenging obstacles, I mean what is life without a challenge? In these past years, I’ve lived in Guelph and I’ve recently transferred to Grand River Collegiate Institute. Big changes were happening and I needed to adjust to a new atmosphere. It was difficult in the meantime, but it was up to me how I controlled this challenge. As time went by and memories were made I felt so accomplished with myself for turning something challenging into something I could look forward to each day.

Both the film and novel demonstrate that adventures in life are pure. No matter the aspect. Edward’s and Walter’s life was fulfilled with fantasy fiction. Both Burton and Thurber create contrasting ideas in their makings. It gives the audience a deep interest within a different perspective of fiction. A similarity between the film and the short story relates to a theme of fantasy. The title character of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” retreats into fantasy in escape from his humane reality. Along with Edward Bloom who mentions that Ashton is too small a town for the giant Karl and him as he mentions “This town is too small for my ambition” (Big Fish). As these two travelled off together to gain a better life they come across this Utopian town named Spectra, as I mentioned before. How would things be different if Edward didn’t come across the town of Spectra? Furthermore Walter daydreams engaging situations, but is his way of escaping reality. Based on reading the story, do you think Walter’s daydreams are a concern or his way of escaping reality?