Film #38 of The December Project
 
The Weather Man is one of the best character studies I've ever seen and probably my favorite performance from Nicolas Cage. The description makes it seem like it's going to be the most boring movie ever:

"A Chicago weather man, separated from his wife and children, debates whether professional and personal success are mutually exclusive."

Sure, it's accurate, but the film itself holds your attention more than that one sentence description does.

There is barely any plot, but it's okay, because the many subplots serve to move the film along and make you feel like lots of things are happening when they are not.  That's usually a weakness and shows that the film isn't…

Divorce, detachment and depression – three key themes central to Gore Verbinski’s comedy drama starring Nicolas Cage as The Weather Man. The narrative begins with the protagonist having already completed his descent into a state of desolation. The cinematography immediately sets the tone, reflecting the mood with a colour palette of mute greys and pastel blues filling the screen.

Verbinski’s direction is steady and mellow as the story unravels, completely contrasting the frantic pace of his Pirate adventure trilogy. In order to suit the film’s dark humoured approach the director avoids the eccentric and slapstick to find laughs; instead drawing comedy from David Spritz’ inner monologues, personal experiences and emotion in a suitably dry manner.

Cage has more than proven…