Simon Birch

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Simon Birch

Simon Birch theatrical poster
Directed by Mark Steven Johnson
Produced by Roger Birnbaum, Laurence Mark
Written by Mark Steven Johnson (screenplay), John Irving (novel)
Starring Ian Michael Smith, Joseph Mazzello, Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt, Jim Carrey
Music by Marc Shaiman
Cinematography Aaron E. Schneider
Editing by David Finfer
Distributed by Hollywood Pictures
Release date(s) 11 September 1998 (USA)
25 June 1999 (UK)
Running time 113 min.
Language English
Budget $20,000,000 (estimated)

Simon Birch is a 1998 Comedy-drama film loosely based on the novel A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. It was directed and written for the screen by Mark Steven Johnson. The film stars Ian Michael Smith as Simon, Joseph Mazzello as Joe, Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt and Jim Carrey. It omitted much of the latter half of the novel and altered the ending. The movie does not share the book's title at Irving's request; he did not believe that this novel could successfully be made into a film. The name "Simon Birch" was suggested by him to replace that of Owen Meany.The main plot hovers about the life of 12 year-old Joe who, for some time, has been the butt of jokes and scorn in their small town, but his mother has not revealed the identity of her lover whom she met years ago on a train. Life-long pal Simon, also 12 but with the eccentricities of someone much older, decides he will help Joe find his father. We are also informed of Simon's deep-seated belief that God put him here for a purpose, that because of his faith, Simon would cope with his dwarfism and overcome people's blindness. Simon would become a hero.

Contents

[edit] Synopsis

In the title role is 12-year-old Simon Birch (Ian Michael Smith), who is afflicted with Morquio syndrome, a genetic disorder which causes dwarfism. The story begins when Joe Wentworth, played by Jim Carrey, visits the grave of his childhood friend Simon Birch, whose gravestone is marked 1952-1964. Joe explains that Simon is "the reason I believe in God." This is followed by a flashback to their friendship during the early '60s.

In Gravestown, Maine, young Joe Wentworth, played by Joseph Mazzello, doesn't know who his father is, and his loving mother Rebecca (Ashley Judd) won't tell him. Joe's best buddy is young Simon Birch, born so tiny that his classmates pass him about like a "doll." Simon’s mother is shown in a flashback giving birth to him by merely sneezing, implying the labor was made so easy because of his diminutive stature. Upon seeing his infant son for the first time in the nursery and told he would not survive, Simon’s father writes him off, thus beginning his lifetime of neglect. Ignored at home, Simon turns to Rebecca as a mother, and he often has dinner with the Wentworths. Part of Rebecca Wentworth’s importance is serving as Simon's surrogate mom, one who cares about the boy - unlike his real parents, who permit Simon to live with them but are otherwise uninvolved. Ben Goodrich, the drama teacher played by Oliver Platt, begins to date Rebecca. Joe initially resents him, and Ben tries to win the boy over with goofy gifts and behaviors. During a baseball game Simon is given his first chance at swinging the bat instead of standing at the plate waiting for the guaranteed walk and he gets the first hit of his life, a foul ball that strikes and kills Rebecca Wentworth. Joe does not hate Simon for this turn of events because he understands that Simon has also lost his mother figure in Rebecca, but Simon himself is racked with guilt and begs God for forgiveness.

These two early adolescents quickly endear themselves to the viewer. Although their routine is typical - playing baseball, racing to the creek for a swim, discussing girls - the script (by Mark Steven Johnson) has them perform these growing up tasks with quirky originality. Simon's self-deprecating humor is especially charming. He one-ups Joe in physical comparisons, though he goes for the smaller instead of the superior. He accepts playing the Baby Jesus because he is the only student who will fit in the crib. And he rides in a wooden Coca-Cola crate rigged up as a sidecar to Joe's bike. On the dress rehearsal day, Simon finds a boy crying about a retreat. Simon tells him to not worry, that he will be there for him; he then ascertains that small children listen to him because of his size. During the play--as they show the hook bending because of the angel's actor's large size--the angel begins to fall. Simon's crush, who is playing the virgin Mary, bends over the crate, asking Simon what the matter is. He is under pressure because while she bends over her breasts are emphasized. After all the wait, the last time Marjorie asks him, what is the matter, he grabs at her and yells, "Boobies!". Reverend Russell takes him to the office to discuss his acting up. Simon talks about how God has big plans for him, but Father tells him to not get too excited. The Father then takes Simon's baseball cards. Simon and Joe walk home but Simon decides to go back to his house. The next day when the religious retreat starts, Joe drops by to say goodbye to Simon. His mother rudely tells him that Simon is sick, grabs some laundry and leaves. Then Simon' father comes out the outhouse, telling Joe the same. Feeling that Simon is neglected enough, Joe yells at Simon' father, telling him that Simon is a hero.

Simon comes with the boy whom he said he would take care of. He tells Joe that while they're gone he's going to sneak into Father Russell' office and get his baseball cards. They say their regards and wave goodbye. He goes into Father's office and finds his cards. When he sets down his flashlight it shows a baseball which is significant to Joe. Simon and Ben rush to tell Joe that Father Russell is really his father, and get there right when Father tells him, himself.

The retreat ends, and Simon wants to ride on the bus with Joe. The bus driver is going down a road, and sees a baby deer. He immediately stomps on his brake and Ben swerves right behind them. He, unharmed, sees the bus going down the hill, out of anyone' control. The Father then faints and the bus enters the water. The bus driver hits his head on the floor, gets up, and leaves. All the kids freak out and do not listen to Joe. Realizing this is his chance, Simon takes charge, and begins delivering orders. The other kids listen and all but one are safely brought ashore. Simon then realizes this and goes back. He finds and saves the boy that had been left behind; however, right when Simon is about to get out, the bus goes down. Joe goes under but cannot find him. Simon then floats up, saving himself. Joe passes out, and awakens at the hospital. He says his last goodbye to Simon, who then dies.

One of the last scenes is Joe running to go swim, and seeing a baby deer-- Simon. The scene ends, bringing us back to the beginning where an older Joe Wentworth is looking at Simon's gravestone. He makes a comment to his son, who has taken the name Simon.

That was Simon Birch's destiny, God's plan.

[edit] Cast

  • Ian Michael Smith as Simon Birch: This was Ian Michael Smith's first and to-date-only role in film. He was chosen due to his small height caused by Morquio syndrome. His role in this film was suggested by a hospital worker in Chicago. After his parents read through the novel (A Prayer for Owen Meany) they agreed to let him work on the film.
  • Joseph Mazzello as Joe Wentworth: Having previously worked on The Cure and Radio Flyer (these were both dramatic roles) this was another role he could undertake. His character is seen as a friendly boy who enjoys baseball and hanging out with his friend, Simon Birch.
  • Ashley Judd as Rebecca Wentworth: Ashley was cast as Joe's mother, Rebecca Wenteworth. Originally, Sandra Bullock was considered to take the role. Her character is caring, loving and supportive.
  • Oliver Platt as Ben Goodrich: Oliver was cast as Ben who falls in love with Rebecca on a train. As Rebecca has had other men in the past, Joe is certain that he is not worthy of her. Eventually, he finds out Ben to be a true caring person for his mother and himself.
  • David Strathairn as Reverend Russell
  • Jim Carrey as Joe Wentworth (Grown Up): Jim Carrey plays Joe as a grown up at the end of the film. He has a brief appearance, he is shown at Simon's grave, remembering all the times he had with Simon.

[edit] Production

Behind the scenes

The bus crash scene was filmed near Ontario's French River. The film's quarry scenes were shot at Elora, Ontario. The church featured in many parts of the film is in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Its black borders were painted white for the film. At the end of the film when it switches to the future, the borders are black.[1]

[edit] VHS/DVD release

The film was released on VHS on November 2, 1999 and on DVD in 2002 (Region 1). The region 1 DVD contains a theatrical trailer.


[edit] Soundtrack

Simon Birch features many songs from the 50s and 60s era. Babyface had written "You Were There" for the film. It was used in the ending credits and a music video was produced.[2] There were also four score cues by Marc Shaiman. Not all score cues are available on the soundtrack, however.

The film's OST was released with the following songs (available on CD and cassette):

  1. "You Were There" - Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds
  2. "Bread and Butter" - The Newbeats
  3. "A Walkin' Miracle" - The Essex*
  4. "Mickey's Monkey" - Smokey Robinson / The Miracles
  5. "Can I Get a Witness" - Marvin Gaye
  6. "Fever" - Peggy Lee
  7. "Up on the Roof" - The Drifters
  8. "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag (Part 1)" - James Brown
  9. "The Nitty Gritty" - Shirley Ellis*
  10. "Nowhere to Run" - Martha and the Vandellas
  11. "It's All Right" - The Impressions
  12. "(Your Love Keeps Me) Higher And Higher" - Jackie Wilson*
  13. "Simon's Theme" - Marc Shaiman
  14. "Friends Forever" - Marc Shaiman
  15. "Simon's Birth" - Marc Shaiman
  16. "Life Goes On" - Marc Shaiman

*This song was not featured in the film.

Other songs featured in the film but not on the soundtrack are listed below:

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Filming Locations for Simon Birch (1998)". The Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0124879/releaseinfo. Retrieved on 2007-01-25. 
  2. ^ "mvdbase.com - Babyface - "You were there"". mvdbase.com. http://www.mvdbase.com/video.php?id=2143. Retrieved on 2007-01-23. 

[edit] External links

Search Wikiquote Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Simon Birch

[edit] Resources

v • d • e
Works by John Irving
Novels:
Short story collections:
Children's fiction:
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