Tag Archives: Tom Noonan

Anomalisa (2015)

Anomalisa review.

written by Souranath Banerjee

Charlie Kaufman’s first stop-motion animation feature; a highly entertaining melancholic tale of an apparently mundane life!  

My Ratings: 4.4/5

Charlie Kaufman is probably the best creatively complex mind in Hollywood who is responsible for some of the most innovative concepts/scripts for films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindAdaptation. and Being John Malkovich.

anomalisa-poster1And this time, along with talented animation director Duke JohnsonCharlie Kaufman writes and directs a brilliant ‘stop-motion animation’ film called Anomalisa.    

A multilayered film that dares to interpret life.

Sometimes life becomes dull, monotonous, repetitive and one gets bored of everything and everyone. That is exactly what has happened to Michael Stone, an authoritative mentor on ‘customer service’ by profession and is depressed in his life to the core.

Michael (voice by David Thewlis) arrives in Cincinnati, a place supposedly famous for its ‘zoo’ and ‘chili’ and eventually checks in at The Fregoli Hotel. 

And interestingly enough in reality (i am sure that this is not a coincidence), there is this rare medical disorder known as the Fregoli delusion,  a case where the delusional person beliefs that all the people he meets are actually one single person who changes appearance or may be is in disguise!

For Michael, the voice of every person he meets (male or female) sounds the same (voice by Tom Noonan), which is a subtle yet disturbing hint of Michael’s state of mind.

anomalisa-poster3But then, he meets Lisa (voice by Jennifer Jason Leigh), finally a girl with a different voice; and also a hope for Michael to escape from his colorless life. Well, at least a thought to hold onto.

Not only the script and direction are top class but Anomalisa also sets new standards for the unique technique of stop motion animation films. Incredibly realistic animation gives the film a level of seriousness that is essential for it’s concept.

Produced through crowd funding, the film is a dreamy, poetic, some what surrealistic story, simple yet dealing with exceedingly complex emotions.

One of the best films of this year, and also was one of the most sought after films of JIO MAMI 17th Mumbai Film Festival.

Remember, Anomalisa shouldn’t be missed at any cost.

Poster courtesy: www.filmaffinity.com, www.impawards.com

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