Director: Michel GondryStarring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Miou-Miou
Points: 100 out of 100
Rating: Adult (nudity, sexual references)
Comment: "Michel Gondry's interpretation of the dreamworld without resorting to CGI results into one unique art-film..."
This is just one of those art-film that may have been popular in the west, but it did not garner enough attention around this part of the globe. I understand that art-films aren't exactly a popular choice here, but this is one art movie that you should watch at least once in your life because here you have simplicity at it's finest.
The story revolves around Stephane, an artist who divides his time between his vivid dreams and reality. After moving from Mexico to his mother's home in France for work, he meets a woman whom he fancies and tries to share his world with her.
It's quite simple really. Long story short, this is a story of boy-meets-girl. The plot does not resort to non-linear storytelling, flashbacks or even time-travel (well, sort of) to make it interesting. But the way it is presented is the best thing about it. No CGI, no over-the-top special effects. Like mentioned previously, this is simplicity at it's finest.
So how does the film present dreamworld to the audience without resorting to CGI? It sounds implausible considering this movie was released back in 2006. To understand how, one would have to familiarise oneself with Michel Gondry's body of work. Have a look at music videos directed by him, Everlong by the Foo Fighters, for example. You see things like enlarged hands, giant-sized telephones, a bed turning into a drumset... Those kind of things. This movie is very much in the spirit of that in terms of it's absurdity. Yet that is what makes it very appealing.
While the acting in this film is nothing to be screamed about, that is actually a strong point. Each cast gave memorable performances. Natural, they almost seem like real people - people you have met throughout your lives.
Points Calculation
The Good [+100]
- "Home-made" special effects
- Natural acting
- Original & refreshing
The Bad [-0]
- (None)
100 - 0 = 100 points
The story revolves around Stephane, an artist who divides his time between his vivid dreams and reality. After moving from Mexico to his mother's home in France for work, he meets a woman whom he fancies and tries to share his world with her.
It's quite simple really. Long story short, this is a story of boy-meets-girl. The plot does not resort to non-linear storytelling, flashbacks or even time-travel (well, sort of) to make it interesting. But the way it is presented is the best thing about it. No CGI, no over-the-top special effects. Like mentioned previously, this is simplicity at it's finest.
So how does the film present dreamworld to the audience without resorting to CGI? It sounds implausible considering this movie was released back in 2006. To understand how, one would have to familiarise oneself with Michel Gondry's body of work. Have a look at music videos directed by him, Everlong by the Foo Fighters, for example. You see things like enlarged hands, giant-sized telephones, a bed turning into a drumset... Those kind of things. This movie is very much in the spirit of that in terms of it's absurdity. Yet that is what makes it very appealing.
While the acting in this film is nothing to be screamed about, that is actually a strong point. Each cast gave memorable performances. Natural, they almost seem like real people - people you have met throughout your lives.
Points Calculation
The Good [+100]
- "Home-made" special effects
- Natural acting
- Original & refreshing
The Bad [-0]
- (None)
100 - 0 = 100 points
