Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a 2011 American drama film, directed by Stephen Daldry and written by Eric Roth. It stars Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Max von Sydow, Viola Davis, John Goodman, Jeffrey Wright, and Zoe Caldwell.

 

The film based on the acclaimed novel of the same name, EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE by Jonathan Safran Foer tells the story of one young boy's journey from heartbreaking loss to the healing power of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the tragic events of September 11.

 

Eleven-year-old Oskar Schell is an exceptional child: amateur inventor, Francophile, pacifist. And after finding a mysterious key that belonged to his father, who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11, he embarks on an exceptional journey -- an urgent, secret search through the five boroughs of New York. As Oskar roams the city, he encounters a motley assortment of humanity, who is all survivors in their own ways. Ultimately, Oskar's journey ends where it began, but with the solace of that most human experience: love.

 

Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock were the first to be cast in the film. A nationwide search for child actors between the ages of 9 and 13 began in late October 2010 for the role of Oskar Schell. Thomas Horn, who had won over $30,000 at age 12 on the 2010 Jeopardy! Kids Week, was chosen for the role in December 2010. Horn had had no prior acting interest but was approached by the producers based on his quizshow appearance. On January 3, 2011 The Hollywood Reporter announced that John Goodman joined the cast. That same month Viola Davis and Jeffrey Wright were cast. Nico Muhly was credited in the film poster as the composer, but on October 21, 2011 it was reported that Alexandre Desplat was chosen to compose the score. German actress Senta Berger was offered a role in the film, but refused.

 

Production took place in New York City. The film had a limited release in the United States on December 25, 2011, and a wide release on January 20, 2012. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film was nominated for two Academy Awards, Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Max von Sydow.