Mr. Nobody (2009)
Anything’s possible in quantum surrealism!
Presentation:
Quantum physics, multiverse, scientific principles, all squished together in a love story? This is one of the more “sciencier” sci-fi movies, which has a surreal presentation similar to a Terry Gilliam film. Jacob Van Dormael ambitiously covers many ideas and thought experiments, which physics nerds will surely love but tries to give it more broad appeal. It’s not Hollywood in anyways, it’s more like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The comedic levity makes it more digestible but also dumbs things down. Kruger is beautiful but Leto is…well, just Leto, so don’t expect a moving performance. Maybe Mr. Anybody would have been more appropriate. I think many will praise the presentation, but really it is just stylistically diverse through the utilization of several DPs to distinguish the arcs. I don’t think the cinematography is good, it’s mostly just editing and special effects that makes it seem impressive.
Conclusion:
This was a struggle to get through. I think the extended cut is too long and I found the visual roller coaster to be gimmicky and nauseating after a while. Perhaps it would be best going into this for the romance or better yet, without any preexisting notions. But at the end of the film there is quite an interesting take on choice and destiny that might stick with me. Unconventional films are quite tricky, especially disjointed ones by design. I did watch to the end, but it was grueling because I wanted to see how it linked together. If I could go back in time, I don’t know if I’d choose to watch this again.
Recommendations
A reason to return to IMAX theaters at light speed.