In Lasse Hallstrom's adaptation of Annie Proulx's novel "The Shipping News," the hero, Quoyle (Kevin Spacey), is a man with little self-esteem and even less self-confidence.

After he is abandoned by his wife (Cate Blanchett), who subsequently dies, Quoyle's long-lost aunt (Judi Dench) suggests that he take his daughter and return with her to the family homeland in Newfoundland. Quoyle accepts the offer.

Having settled in the old family home, Quoyle finds a job at the local newspaper. While writing a column called "Shipping News," Quoyle learns surprising facts about his ancestors, but he also learns to understand the people around him and becomes reconciled with himself.

"I was fascinated by the novel the day I read it," Hallstrom said. "Annie Proulx's novel is interesting in that it combines the traits of a comedy, drama and farce. Its beautiful lyricism goes together with banalities and dry journalistic reports about the harsh realities of Newfoundland." Hallstrom added that he has always been attracted by anything related to realistic and truthful descriptions of people and their lives.

Spacey commented, "I felt that I've never played a role like this before. My task was to show a person who doesn't even try to be active; he just flows down the current of the river of his life. But he is changing, which is what is most important."

The theme of a person looking for happiness, his roots and his real self is not foreign to literature or filmmaking. But, even if you've read the novel, it is still worth going to see the film. Each artist has his own ways of storytelling and his own methods of translating human feelings and life, finding unusual aspects in day-to-day realities. Each has his own ideas and understanding of the essence of and reason for living. And this film provides a beautiful vehicle for doing just that.