Consider how risk taking was reflected and developed in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” Discuss the ideas developed by Ben Stiller about how risk-taking leads to character development and changes Walter's outlook on life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Humanity would undoubtedly stagnate if individuals faded into the daily grind without a sense of ambition. Through the comedic film work of Ben Stiller, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” came to life. Setting out in search of Sean's missing photo for Life Magazine, Walter discovers a previously hidden aspect of himself, throwing away his normality and entering a world of uncertainty and self-discovery. Ben Stiller's final message in the film is that a person's highest potential can be sought by sacrificing his usual habits and risking his life for his true superiority. In the early stages, Stiller models Walter in a simple and awkward way for his modern audience to relate to. It shows that, although Walter maintains a stable job working for a desirable magazine, he is still dissatisfied with himself as he constantly longs for his alternate world in daydreams. Stiller makes viewers unconsciously recognize striking similarities between their way of life and Walter's, thereby questioning both him and themselves. Stiller addresses many in society who are unconsciously trapped in a cycle of exploring new pursuits rather than mentally dreaming. When Walter first contacts eHarmony, Stiller reveals to the audience through Todd that Walter has not achieved any great or worthy achievements in life. By transforming these less than ideal characteristics into Walter, Stiller foreshadows a significant contrast and transformation in Walter's character. It would later allow Walter to bravely step out of his robot past (following actions instead of feeling them) for a crucial mission and truly make progress in his life. Stiller initially presents Walter in this way as an ideological reminder to society to embrace ambition and escape the permanent circulation of everyday affairs. Stiller pushes Walter forward and reinforces the idea that life is fragile and precious during the extraordinary challenges in Greenland and Iceland, guiding him to fulfill Sean's request. Stiller's artistic choices, such as the varied landscapes of nature and vibrant colors, effectively capture his viewers and inspire them to experience these exquisite aspects of life as well. For example, it showed a massive volcanic eruption in Iceland, which Walter survives, to heighten the thrill and curiosity of viewers. Stiller points out that appreciation of life would never be achieved in a limited and habitual environment. Furthermore, Stiller sends Walter into deadly physical and mental obstacles during the mission to reinforce the reminder of how life is taken for granted and could be swept away at any moment. Stiller put Walter at risk for Sean by having him jump on a plane with a drunk, only to crash into the treacherous ocean, triggering a shark attack. Stiller incorporates these battles to refresh Walter from the temporary nature of life and reveal how Walter let his work usher in his path, thus allowing him to experience different dimensions of life while reviving his personal fulfillment through these strenuous tasks without regret. Stiller delivers an inspirational message by illustrating the success and confidence Walter gains from taking risks. For example, Walter feels more at home.