Anomalisa

Recently, I was lucky enough to apply and receive press accreditation for the 38th Denver Film Festival. 

Unfortunately life (mainly work life) decided to get a little hectic during the weeks of the festival so I fear I may not be able to attend the couple films that I was looking forward to seeing. 

But (!) I was able to attend the premiere night which featured a red carpet screening of the mysterious Anomalisa. 

This was one of those very rare times that I went into a movie nearly completely blind. The only still I'd seen of the film is identical to the one you see on the poster to the right, I knew it was animated, and I knew it was directed by Charlie Kaufman. I hadn't even seen a trailer or read any reviews for it which is pretty unique for me. 

I actually really prefer to go into films blind because it allows you to manage expectations, but with social media and my complete lack of ability to combat hype (what...am I not supposed to watch that Star Wars trailer?) it's really hard for me to do. I'd encourage my readers to go into Anomolisa as blind as possible because it sincerely is one of the more memorable films you're likely to see in the near future. Weird, trippy, funny, awkward, and depressing too, but memorable nonetheless. 

Some crazy combination of computer generated, stop motion "almost" claymation.

A blooper reel for this film would have been
hilarious (though a lot of extra work)

Anomalisa is one of those films where I feel like my critiques are my own and that the film will represent different things to different viewers. Currently, it's one of the highest rated films of the year with many mainstream critics calling it "perfect". While I won't be giving it a perfect score, I don't disagree with those critics in the slightest. Anomalisa is a highly personal film; one that takes a hard and strange look on life that is both hilarious and incredibly sad. This review will most likely be a short one because I don't think any of the plot should be revealed. It sounds too boring and weird on paper that it might scare away viewers and if I were to delve into any details it would ruin the effects of the film. I really wish I could because there is so much room for rich discussion because of the trippy tricks the film plays on its viewers, some of which I didn't even realize were happening until more than halfway through the film. I wasn't a fan of the ending because it felt like it lacked a solid conclusive statement and there were times where it felt almost too mundane. Overall though, this is a film that you'll most likely exit asking, "Well that was really weird. I'm not quite sure how I feel about it." but days later it will star to grow on you. It's a film that you'll think about long after the credits roll. 

Aside from it's interesting and provocative statement, Anomalisa is one hell of a well crafted film. The animation is an odd combo of computer generated stop motion effects with what look like felt puppets. There are moments where the animation is obvious and others (often the quieter ones) where it's eerily realistic to the point where you question if this is still an animated film. I asked myself throughout the film why it was animated, but for the life of me, I can't imagine this being nearly as impressive a film in live-action. It's all supplemented by some solid cinematography and a light original score that fit the film well. There's also a lot to appreciate in the voice work because of how well it's done but also because of how pivotal it is to the story of the film. 

Bow chicka wow oww

I wish to wrap this review up and let anyone who might see the film in a couple months experience it for themselves. I'd encourage many viewers to not let their initial reactions shape their opinions of the film, but instead let it grow on you before making your final call. I know that my outlook on the film as a whole has greatly improved in the near-week since I've seen it and it's a bit haunting just how many times I've thought about it in the last few days. 

Make no doubt about it, Anomalisa is like nothing you've seen in theaters before. 

CONS:

• Some scenes were just a little too awkward/weird for me
• A bit mundane overall
• Lacks a proper ending

PROS:

• The film's premise is trippy as hell and it has several tricks up its sleeve that it hides pretty well
• Solid voice work
• Bitingly funny but also depressing. This film's outlook on life is a tragic one and it's views will have you thinking about it days and weeks after you see it
• Impressive animation that adds to the film (there's a reason it's animated). It adds a certain physical comedy to the overall picture but is very realistic at times
• Great camera work and a fitting original score
• Unique and memorable. Try to go in blind

Rath's Review Score: 9/10