Upon the release of Stranger than Fiction, critics praised Marc Forster's deft direction of a film that is subtle, quirky, and heartfelt. Through subtle effects and evocative visual storytelling, Forster gives us a window into the life of a very boring man with a very interesting problem. For instance, early scenes are overlaid with graphs to show the taxman's preoccupation with numbers. We see his brush stroke count as he brushes his teeth and we watch him map his steps to the bus stop. The graphs show that Harold is a calculated man who does not want to be shaken out of his routine.
Throughout the film, Forster plays with the viewer's expectations and flirts with the unexpected time and time again. While Stranger than Fiction could have been saccharine and sentimental, Forster tells his story with a light touch and a sensitive eye for detail.
Of the film, Forster said, "Well, it’s life-affirming to me. And there is so much tragedy and shit happening all over the world that I think it’s important to have something life-affirming. It’s a modern-day fairy tale, and I like the ones that have a happy ending."
