I watched this movie in two sittings. My wife couldn't handle it after 30 minutes: too boring; not enough feedback; confusing. So I watched the last half of the movie the next day. The animation allows one voice for everyone other than the main character and his most recent love interest. The faces are also the same for everyone else, and it is a reflection of the boredom that Michael Stone must be feeling about every interaction that he has. There is also the subtle transition as he becomes bored with Lisa, and then leaves her, just like he has left others before. I liked that his son did not have a generic face- it shows that there is still some semblance of life and interest behind his mask. Otherwise the mundaneness of his existence is palpable in his interactions with everyone.
The problem is the boredom Michael experiences is also felt by the viewer. The movie is too successful in creating a sense of interpersonal apathy, and almost a sense of despondency. Hard to catch a viewer in an entertaining past time when you are trying (succeeding) to be as boring as possible.
The movie succeeds in what it is attempting to do, but it takes a great deal of effort and staying power to get through the subtle transitions presented without having the interest bored out of you.
Go watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind instead.
The problem is the boredom Michael experiences is also felt by the viewer. The movie is too successful in creating a sense of interpersonal apathy, and almost a sense of despondency. Hard to catch a viewer in an entertaining past time when you are trying (succeeding) to be as boring as possible.
The movie succeeds in what it is attempting to do, but it takes a great deal of effort and staying power to get through the subtle transitions presented without having the interest bored out of you.
Go watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind instead.