I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK (2006)
Was the title not quirky enough for you?
Presentation:
This might possibly be one of the quirkiest and silliest films of all time, which is surprising as it comes from Park Chan Wook. Aesthetically and tonally it reminds me of Jim Carreyโs How the Grinch Stole Christmas with vividly colorful sets mixed with Wes Andersonโs style. Itโs a K-Drama in execution but calling it a romcom is a bit of a stretch. Itโs primarily a comedy, but with the cultural differences I only found myself giving pity laughs. Itโs quite the spectacle with zany camera work, dutch angles, handheld, ultrawides and corner framing. Itโs experimental and almost in a boasting kind of way, just to see what kind of visuals he can make without regard for a story. Regardless of how you receive the film, itโs quite unforgettable for its surrealist imagery.
Analysis:
The film is about mental health. At first I assumed it was about eating disorders because of her not eating food and her grannyโs problem with eating radishes. There are some references to cutting but ultimately itโs vague and open to interpretation. This broad approach has more mass appeal but o think a specific ailment would have focused the story and built a more solid character. The cyborg metaphor as depressed people often donโt feel comfortable in their bodies nor do they feel belonging. They are low on energy with no aperture and feel like something is missing from them like a robot with a missing part. Thereโs just not much developing from this metaphor besides the general feel. But it does trea the issue with lightheartedness in a fresh way that really does get at the heart of depression, if only in a roundabout way. For those that know, it will feel like Wook is talking to your soul, but he does it a way that doesnโt really make you care that he understands you.
Conclusion:
I appreciate quirky films, but this felt like a soap drama. It focuses on the humor for the first hour so that you have no idea what the film is about. Youโre waiting for a story but all the film gives you is joke after joke, until you finally realize the film is about mental health. Itโs a pretty good portrayal, I think, and for those that relate it could touch deeply. This is one of those hit or miss films, but with the weak humor, weak romance and weak plot, I was relieved to see the credits. This felt like a cinematic waste of time, and thatโs not OK.
Recommendations
He-said-she-said: Korean border edition.