In the late ‘50s, Hollywood screenwriter Peter Appleton (Jim Carrey) is wrongfully blacklisted for meetings he innocently attended in college and now faces a government interrogation that will jeopardize his future in an already paranoid film industry.
On his way out of town, Pete accidentally drives his car off a bridge and into a river. He wakes up relatively unharmed, but with a severe case of amnesia, in Lawson, Calif., a quaint coastal town who’s young male population has been decimated by the WWII draft. Pete’s memory eventually returns, but not before he’s ingrained himself into the open arms of the community. By then, Pete’s reliance on the support of the townsfolk is almost as high as their need to believe that he is Luke. But Pete has people looking for him, not to mention the charges he faces back in Hollywood. Which life will he fight for, and which one will get left on the cutting room floor?Having escaped the prison-drama syndrome, director Frank Darabont (“The Shawshank Redemption”) drives all of his energies into a retrospective drama that looks, acts and feels like it’s been pulled straight from the ‘50s. From scene to scene, Darabont effectively balances the draw of the old-fashioned community with the turbulent witch-hunt and Communist scare that gripped the entertainment industry.At its finest, “The Majestic” captures the beauty of the movie house, an unparalleled meeting place for the community that had the ability to generate such wonder, excitement and enthusiasm with each announced feature. But it’s hard to ignore the film’s forced earnestness, and the heavy-handed sweetness used to help us swallow an awkward Communist plot. Instead of maintaining its consistent “It’s a Wonderful Life” vibe, “Majestic” swings for “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington” as well, and it’s a bit much to juggle in one production.And as good as Carrey is, he’s still has yet to find the role that will earn him his precious Best Actor Oscar. Hard to believe, but he underplays Peter, whispering key lines and subtly gesturing through key scenes. It’s better than overplaying, which Darabont appears to coax him to do at opportune times. But Carrey’s loss is his co-stars’ gain, allowing Landau and Holden the chance to shine in meaningful roles.Grade: BTHE EXTRASMinus audio commentaries by Darabont and Carrey (I smell potential “Special Edition” in the works), the highlight of this DVD is the full-length clip used in the movie of the B-Reel classic “Sand Pirates of the Sahara.” The footage features the delightful Bruce Campbell lampooning what passed for legitimate theater back in the day.While already a little long for my tastes, Warner’s “Majestic” DVD also includes eight deleted scenes. As per the norm, the disc features a trailer, cast and crew lists, and a text-based history lesson on the “Hollywood Blacklist.” You’re going to learn, whether you like it or not!Grade: COVERALL EXPERIENCE: B-Upon release, “The Majestic” received unfair criticism for its heavy-handed nostalgia and syrupy sweetness. I still think Carrey gives a decent performance, and the film feels authentic. Perhaps a new audience will find it now on DVD.By Sean O’ConnellJune 19, 2002