Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you buy the DVD? Maybe for the “making of” featurette.
Score: 4.2/5
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
“Anomalisa” is a stop-motion animated drama that’s based on the play of the same name. It’s about Michael Stone, a man with extreme prosopagnosia (also known as face blindness, the inability to recognise individual faces). But his world changes when he meets Lisa, who looks and sounds different from everyone else in his world. It features the voice talents of Michael Stone (David Thewlis), Jennifer Jason Leigh (Lisa Hesselman), and Tom Noonan (everybody else). It is rated R-21.
“Anomalisa” is a story that’s full of rich symbolism about the human condition. It’s a brash, bold choice to use 3D-printed puppets, since it takes a while to get used to the visuals. But once you’ve understood and internalised the core premise, the film draws you in with its depiction of human nature and how accurately it has captured the essence of day-to-day living for the average Joe. It’s a film that’ll forever haunt you with its truths and messages about people.
Highlights
Showcases the mundanity of life
“Anomalisa” depicts how ordinary our daily existence is and how decidedly plain our lives really are. The fact that it doesn’t senselessly glamourise every aspect of living triggers an inward reflection of our own lives. It strengthens the main theme of the film with its humble yet authentic portrayal of a person’s life, immersing us in a world that’s so similar but so different. That’s not to say the film is boring — it’s the authenticity of how mundane reality is that makes it truly fascinating.
Details in the smallest of objects
Even Michael’s hair ruffles as he sits indoors, in a closed environment. That’s the kind of stunningly minute detail that fills the film, giving its mundanity so much life and so much more relatability. Even the mouth movements in close-ups mimic the banality of chewing with such precision that is at once recognisable but captivating. They may be puppets with cartoonish proportions, but this doesn’t stop them from behaving exactly the way a human does.
Relatable
The visuals give you a point of reference that we can all understand, since it’s the smallest things that we can all identify with. What makes this film so touching and genuine is the dialogue and the emotions of protagonist Michael Stone. His loneliness echoes the basic human need that we have for companionship, and the intense isolation we feel even in the company of others. This exploration of humanity not only sheds light on people, but also gives us insight into our own character too.
Strong themes
The film also explores the idea of identity and individuality, in addition to its revelations on the human condition. The explorations complement each other, building a powerful message about how much we need and resent each other. Metaphorical visuals cement the themes of the movie, leaving an unforgettable commentary on the state of human condition.
Letdowns
Facial design can be distracting
The way the face is broken up serves an important purpose, but it can leave you confused at times on what the different characters’ appearances are supposed to be. A less obtuse style could have been used to perform the same function. Nevertheless, it’s a small quibble in an otherwise fine movie.
“Anomalisa” is one of the most underrated films of the year. Its stop-motion puppets bring more life and personality to the characters than some live human actors can, weaving a rich tapestry of meaning and power with its story.
“Anomalisa” opens in cinemas 18 February, 2016 (Thursday).
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