About Endlessness (2019)
The end for Roy Andersson?
Presentation:
If you have never watched a Roy Andersson’s film this is one of his weakest projects and should not be your entry into his art films. This is different than his other work in tone and narrative by implementing narration, which creates a more contemplative experience. I actually don’t think it’s a completely terrible choice as the film does have heavier themes on religion and depression. However, the lack of humor makes the experience more of a mood piece without his usual quirky charm balancing the scales. It’s visually weaker but I did enjoy some of the sets, which felt reminiscent of a dystopian Half-Life: 2.
Conclusion:
Andersson is in his 80s and this film understandably reflects his interest in faith and purpose. If you’ve watched other films from the auteur, this may feel like he’s running out fresh ideas to sustain the style. The sets have disappointingly more CGI, some even seem recycled, and the plot is even less cohesively put together. It’s sort of the problem with late stage art filmmakers as they become overly poetic to the point of nonsense. Hopefully it’s not his last film. Despite all that, a weak Andersson film is still to be cherished.
Recommendations
The end for Roy Andersson?