Summary

Freeman’s favorite, The Magic of Belle Isle, was panned by critics but resonates with deeply human connections.
Despite the film’s poor reception, Freeman’s affinity for it is rooted in his love of westerns and his bond with Rob Reiner.
The film’s powerful ending centers on Monte’s transformation through emotional healing and inspiration.

One of the most revered actors of a generation, Morgan Freeman is an Oscar-winner best known for his iconic roles in such all-time great movies as Glory, Unforgiven, The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en, Million Dollar Baby, The Dark Knight, The Bucket List, and many others. Yet, despite starring in some of the most popular films ever, it’s always fascinating to hear what talented A-list actors view as their favorite movie starring themselves. Often, an actor will favor a film that fans have rarely heard of, much less seen, proving how an artist’s tastes drastically differ from the public perception.

In a 2013 Reddit AMA, Freeman shocked fans by listing the obscure 2012 film The Magic of BelleIsle as the most underrated of his own credited performances. Yet, when peeling back the layers of the statement, understanding Freeman’s longtime love of movie westerns, and his working relationship with director Rob Reiner, Freeman’s affinity for the critically panned comedic drama makes sense. With the news that Freeman is set to narrate the next leg of Netflix’s Life on our Planet docuseries, a closer look at The Magic of Belle Isle is in order.

What Is The Magic of Belle Isle About?
Magnolia Pictures

Directed by Rob Reiner from a script co-written with Guy Thomas and Andrew Schienman, The Magic of Belle Isle is an American comedy-drama film released on July 6, 2012. The story revolves around Monte Wildhorn (Freeman), a professional writer of Western novels who battles alcohol addiction born from the loss of his wife to cancer six years earlier. Monte’s drinking has diluted his passion and ability to write, putting him into an existential quandary. To break out of his funk, Monte is invited by his nephew Henry (Keenan Thompson) to stay with his family at Belle Isle, a secluded lake with a cabin.

Despite his reluctance, Monte’s grouchy demeanor starts to soften when he arrives at Belle Isle and meets Henry’s next-door neighbors. The neighbors include Charlotte O’Neill (Virginia Madsen) and her three daughters, Finn (Emma Fuhrmann), Flora (Nicolette Pierini), and Willow (Madeline Carroll). As Monty opens up and gets closer to the O’Neills, he begins to teach the daughters how to write, expand their vocabulary, and express their ideas.

The more Monty inspires Charlotte’s daughters and the people in town, the more inspiration he receives in return. Soon, Monty’s writer’s block is cleared, allowing him to return to his creative livelihood. Monty finds renewed vigor and purpose in touching the lives of strangers in a new town.

Why Does Morgan Freeman Feel The Magic of Belle Isle Is Underrated?
Magnolia Pictures

Despite the Oscar-caliber pedigree of Freeman and Reiner, The Magic of Belle Isle was crushed by critics and was a box office bomb when released in July 2012. The film currently holds a 30% Rotten Tomatoes Score and a 46 Metascore, well below average for the actor and director. The film grossed a lowly $123,000 worldwide and was largely forgotten by the end of the summer. Even so, Freeman maintains that it is seriously underrated and suggests the film merits revisiting.

Related How a Box Office Flop Launched Morgan Freeman’s Career Morgan Freeman has amassed an impressive filmography full of classic films, but he got his first big break in the box office flop Street Smart.

During a 2013 Reddit AMA to promote his film Oblivion, Freeman was asked directly what his favorite movie is that he starred in. Freeman stunned fans by stating: “The Magic of Belle Isle directed by Rob Reiner.” The statement earned 1.8K upvotes and sparked an online conversation about the overlooked qualities of the film. Some Redditors question the post’s authenticity, accusing one of Freeman’s agents or publicists of speaking on Freeman’s behalf. Freeman pushed back with a “verified” photo of himself holding the Reddit AMA sign while sitting on a sofa. It’s hard to argue with Freeman based on his love of movie westerns and his previous collaborations with Rob Reiner.

Freeman’s Passion for Westerns & Relationship With Rob Reiner
Magnolia Pictures

Although The Magic of Belle Isle is not a Western per se, Freeman’s character Monte Wildhorn is a famous author of Western novels in the film. Based on Freeman’s statements about being cast by Clint Eastwood in the classic 1992 Western Unforgiven, it’s easy to see why he gravitated towards playing Monte in The Magic of Belle Isle. Before being cast as Ned Logan in Unforgiven, Freeman had never acted in a Western despite starting his career in 1964. When discussing the opportunity to work with Clint Eastwood, Freeman claimed he always wanted to be in a Western and was more excited than ever to play the role.

Another overlooked aspect of Freeman’s affinity for The Magic of Belle Isle relates to his working bond with Rob Reiner. The two previously collaborated on the 2008 movie The Bucket List, a critical and commercial hit that ends as a real tear-jerker. Reiner is a masterful filmmaker responsible for some of the most popular and emotionally resonant movies ever, including Stand by Me and The Princess Bride. Between Freeman’s passion for movie westerns, his working relationship with Rob Reiner, and the uplifting tears of joy shed at the end of The Magic of Belle Isle, it’s easy to understand why Freeman favors the film.

The Magic of Belle Isle’s Powerful Ending
Magnolia Pictures

Not to spoil the heartfelt conclusion, the weepy sentiments in The Magic of Belle Isle derive from profound human connection. Monte begins the story in a bad place, physically, spiritually, and psychologically. Unable to get over the death of his wife and no longer productive as a professional novelist, Monte’s gradual inspiration leads to joyous tears as Belle Isle becomes a magical and mystical place where ideas flourish, love blossoms, and the possibilities are endless.

Related The 1990 Best Picture Winner Still Holds Up, But Morgan Freeman Called the Role a Big Mistake Even though Driving Miss Daisy was a wonderful film about the relationships made in life, Morgan Freeman doesn’t like carrying the film’s shadow.

Through his therapeutic bond with Finn, Flora, and Willow, Monte can finally express his true feelings in a profoundly cathartic way. He speaks of love and the courtship of his late wife, giving sage advice to the young girls that help him heal in the process. Monte details how he became injured and why he uses a wheelchair. He also recounts what inspired him to write as a child, becoming a de facto father figure to the impressionable girls with their whole lives ahead of them.

The most touching moment of the Morgan Freeman movie comes at the very end when, after becoming a successful writer again thanks to his time there, Monte uses his fortunes to return to Belle Isle to be close to his new friends.

The Magic of Belle Isle is available to stream on Fubo & Hoopla.