Fantasy and reality intertwine in Stiller’s latest film

It revolves around a man who loves to daydream, frequently retreating into an imaginary world in which he is the hero. His own real life never matches up.

Stiller’s Walter Mitty is a photo editor at Life magazine in New York. He enjoys his work but is about to lose his job as the company shifts and downsizes. The cold, arrogant new boss (Adam Scott) is laying off many employees.

Walter would love to strike up a conversation with his dream girl Cheryl (Kristen Wiig), a colleague at work, but just can’t bring himself to come out and talk to her.

Ben Stiller in a scene from The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty. Image courtesy waltermitty.com

Real and fantasy worlds are intertwined as Walter embarks on a quest, essentially a transformational journey, in which he discovers value and meaning in his own life. He also finds out that real life can be far more exciting and exhilarating than his wildest fantasies

What kind of woman is Cheryl?
Kristen Wiig (KW): Cheryl is really similar to Walter in a lot of ways, in that you can tell she’s experienced a trying time in her life. She has been through a divorce, she has a new job and she’s in transition. She is trying to find out who she is and that is how she and Walter connect, because they’re both searching for more.

The role is a little different from the comic performances you are known for. 
KW: I have done two or three more dramatic roles in films this year that haven’t come out yet and this one is the first of those people will see.

It was a little nerve-wracking doing something different and using a different muscle. I think comedy and drama are both hard. But when people know you for something –with me it’s comedy – you do feel a little bit more comfortable in that arena. But I was really excited and honored that Ben thought of me for the role.

Ben says you bring realism and warmth to the role. It’s clear the two of you got on well. 
KW: We first met when he hosted Saturday Night Live and we had a great time. We became friends and shortly after that we met to talk about this movie and I was impressed with his vision for the project. He knew exactly what he wanted it to look like and what it would sound like as far as the music goes.

Ben is a very organised, detailed director, which is great. And he brings such warmth to the character (Walter) that you just want to hug him and beat up everybody who’s mean to him.

When you were younger you actually went off on an  adventure yourself that was life changing?
KW: I did. There is something really freeing about having a backpack and everything that you need in it to survive and going to see new places and travelling. It is exciting to do it by yourself. For me, travelling by myself was difficult because it can be lonely at times; but you meet amazing people.

What do you think the film has to say about daydreams and fantasies?
KW: I think everyone has a fantasy life. We all have dreams that we go after and there are also things I think remain as fantasies. I remember someone telling me a long time ago that it’s really healthy to have a fantasy life and it’s true.

We all have things that we want to do and places we want to go to. For me there are definitely career goals that I have and places I would love to travel to.