Charlie Kaufmans latest offering looks at what its like to feel alienated from everyone around you, using some very effective visual motifs to achieve his vision. Anomalisa follows author Michael Stone (David Thewlis) who cannot seem to make meaningful connections with anyone around him. Everybody looks and speaks exactly the same, removing his ability to truly differentiate people, even his own wife and child. Kaufman puts the audience in Stones position by having everyone but the protagonist look like freaky mannequins who are all voiced by one person (Tom Noonan). There is one exception however, a woman attending the conference Michael is due to speak at enchants him with her voice and individual appearance. He and this mysterious woman, Lisa (Jennifer Jason Leigh), begin a brief affair which allows him to feel a moment of connection with somebody else for the first time in years. The fact that this is all depicted through the use of beautifully crafted clay figures and still manages to feel more human than most live-action movies is down to the quality of the story and fantastic performances from its three actors. This is one to watch when youre in the mood for something deep, questioning how we see the world around us and the people we encounter. Already the holder of multiple awards and brilliant reviews, Anomalisa is unlike anything youve seen before and unquestionably holds its own as one of Kaufmans best efforts.
A pop culture mad writer from the North East who loves films, television and debating them with whoever will listen.
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