'Wonder Boys' tells the story of Grady Tripp, a writer struggling with his second novel while facing personal turmoil, including a failed marriage and an unexpected pregnancy. Despite its themes of disillusionment and uncertainty, the film presents itself as a dark comedy, focusing on the humorous aspects of dysfunctional characters. Notable elements include the soundtrack featuring Bob Dylan's 'Things Have Changed' and the influence of literary careers amid chaos, highlighting the journey and character dynamics over darker narratives.
The film begins with Bob Dylan's aged and raspy voice singing 'Things Have Changed,' a song about an inescapable self-awareness of one's fate and feelings of disillusionment.
Grady is writing his second novel, but the ending keeps getting further away. His wife, Emily, has left him, and the university's Chancellor tells him she's pregnant.
Curtis Hanson's drama distracts its audience by hiding its darker nature in plain sight, making the journey about writers and their lives more uplifting than gritty.
Even though the story is about disillusionment and regret, my memory holds it as a funny and uplifting tale about dysfunctional people who happen to be writers.
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