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Entertainment December 12, 2018
Here at ENTITY, we’re obsessed with any movie that features strong and empowered women.
So, when a new film comes out that reverses the usual “damsel in distress” narrative and puts the powerful weapons in the hands of women who are protecting a man in recovery from severe brain damage, we’re obviously heading straight to theaters to watch it.
“Welcome to Marwen,” directed by Robert Zemeckis, is inspired by the true story of Mark Hogancamp.
Hogancamp, played by Steve Carell, is beaten to death and left for dead by five men after telling them that he enjoys cross-dressing. After the attack, when he’s left with little memory of his adult life, he attempts to regain his memories by constructing a miniature action figure World War II village in his yard called Marwen.
The residents of his town are fictional versions of the women in his real life as they protect him in his fantasy world and real life.
But don’t just take it from us, here are three reasons you need to watch “Welcome to Marwen.”
Leslie Mann, Janelle Monaé, Diane Kruger, Merritt Wever and Leslie Zemeckis (one of ENTITY’s mentors!) are just some of the amazing women in the film who lift Hogancamp up in real life and fight off Nazis in his fictional world.
This cast of extremely talented cast reinforces the idea that women are more than just damsels in distress.
“‘Women are the saviors of the world,’ as Steve’s character says,” Zemeckis told ENTITY. “We are badasses. Maybe it’ll motivate Hollywood to cast more ensembles of women who do the shooting and the nurturing and the everything.”
“Welcome to Marwen” proves that putting more women on and behind the screen only makes it more successful.
The film was shot using motion-capture technology that turns actors into realistic-looking dolls. This basically means we get to see our beloved dolls fighting off bad guys using guns instead of baking in a kitchen.
Kruger, who plays a villain in the town of Marwen, told The Hollywood Reporter that this was her first time starring in a movie with motion-capture technology, but after day one, was able to find her footing.
“Then it became really freeing in a way because there was no setup, there was no set way and anything is possible so you kind of run with it,” Kruger said.
Not only does this movie star iconic actors such as Steve Carell, Leslie Mann and Janelle Monaé, but it’s also directed by the man who created well-known movies such as “Forrest Gump,” “Back to the Future” and “The Polar Express.”
With all of Zemeckis’ last films being major successes, this one is sure to follow suit.
When Mann was asked what it was like to work with Zemeckis, she said, “Intimidating, scary and also so inspiring. Honestly, I grew up watching his movies and I have so much respect for him.
“He’s like a genius. So the first time I met him, he told me about the movie and he talked about the movie as if it already existed in his brain as if it was already shot and done. So he knew exactly what he wanted down to every detail and it was really fun for me to work like that.”
Zemeckis is a brilliant director who creates unforgettable films so don’t miss out on this one!
Based on Hogancamp’s struggle to rehabilitate himself through a fictional world because he can’t afford therapy, viewers see how one man overcomes multiple obstacles to find freedom and peace.
Kruger also told The Hollywood Reporter that this movie shows the importance of finding the silver lining in every dark situation.
“There’s just a lot of bad things happening, not just in this country but in the world, and I think everybody can relate to being in a dark place,” Kruger said. “It doesn’t have to be as traumatic as what happened to Mark; even if you’re just bullied in school I think everyone can relate to this feeling of hopelessness and being alone and not knowing how to get out of that. I think the movie just really shows that you can free yourself of all of this.”
Even if you don’t relate to the main character’s direct story, the message of the film shows that anyone can defeat any feeling of hopelessness and win any battle he or she may be fighting.
When asked what it’s like to have a movie this inspiring coming out for audiences at the movie’s premiere, Mann said, “I feel like we need more movies out there that are hopeful and give people a good feeling.”
So if you’re looking for a film that’s inspiring and also proves the strength of empowered women, “Welcome to Marwen” might just be one of the best movies you’ll see all year!
