In A Man Called Otto, we are introduced to Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), who has resolved to end his life. He disconnects the utilities, cancels his phone service, and purchases rope. However, as he prepares, his new neighbor Marisol (Mariana Treviño) and her family enter his life. This marks the beginning of both an internal and external journey for Otto, prompting him to reflect on his past and consider his future. Gradually, Otto’s initially gruff demeanor begins to soften through his interactions with his new friend, leading him to reconsider his bleak outlook on life.
A Man Called Otto is an American remake of the critically acclaimed Swedish film En man som heter Ove, which received two Oscar nominations and starred Rolf Lassgård. While remakes are often considered inferior to the original, in this instance, the version starring Tom Hanks surpasses the Swedish film in several aspects.
The production team behind A Man Called Otto shares significant overlap with the Swedish version, as SF Studios served as co-producers. Both films follow the same core narrative, centering on the irascible Otto (Ove) and his journey toward rediscovering life’s joys. The key difference lies in the storytelling approach. The American adaptation is more streamlined, avoiding unnecessary plot diversions. For example, the subplot concerning the protagonist’s father, which occupies a substantial portion of the Swedish film, has been omitted.
A significant distinction lies in how the American version develops events that have minimal impact in the Swedish film. A spoiler-free example, featured in the film’s trailer, involves Otto giving a coin to a street performer. He insists on receiving the same coin back, and the clown agrees. However, during the trick, Otto receives a coin of the same value but from a different year. This prompts him to become angry and confront the clown.
This event occurs in both versions of the film. However, in the Swedish version, Ove simply provides a five-krona coin and apparently scrutinizes it enough to know its exact mint year. Therefore, when he receives a different five-krona coin, he becomes enraged and attacks the clown. In the Swedish version, his reaction seems arbitrary, driven by general grumpiness and irritability.
In the American version, the coin’s significance is established beforehand through a recurring ritual where Otto retrieves the coin from a bowl. By revealing the coin’s origin and the circumstances surrounding it, the film conveys its importance to the audience. Consequently, when Otto confronts the clown, the audience empathizes with his actions, even if others present do not fully understand them.
Similar instances occur throughout the film, where the outcome remains consistent between the Swedish and American versions, but the necessary buildup is absent in En man som heter Ove. As I have not read the source material, I am unsure if this improved development originates with the American screenwriter or if it is present in the original book.
The acting performances are exceptional in A Man Called Otto, a quality shared by much of the Swedish version. However, the primary distinction lies in the direction and script.
A Man Called Otto is a deeply emotional film. Director Marc Forster skillfully avoids excessive sentimentality, maintaining a sense of realism throughout.
The Blu-ray edition delivers a commendable picture quality in 1080p, characterized by sharp imagery, vibrant colors, and the absence of compression artifacts. The audio is presented in 5.1 DTS HD, providing clear dialogue and impactful sound where appropriate. Given the film’s nature, the audio quality is more than adequate. The disc includes supplemental material in the form of a brief documentary. While it tends toward self-congratulation, it does offer some insights. Additionally, there is a music video featuring producer Rita Wilson, who is also Tom Hanks’ wife, performing the film’s theme song with another artist. A behind-the-scenes featurette details the making of the song and video, but unfortunately, it feels somewhat self-indulgent.
In conclusion, A Man Called Otto is highly recommended as a film that resonates with audiences on multiple levels. Furthermore, it exemplifies how adaptations can differ significantly while retaining the same source material.
SF Studios provided review copies for this evaluation. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are always conducted with the reader’s best interests in mind.
