Mr. Nobody

by Krystie Maddox-Lue

So this film was actually released in 2009, but having only recently discovered it whilst looking through iTunes movies (DVD’s are out, I only buy hard copies of films I fall in love with), I thought I may as well do a late review now. First of all, I must admit that, having watched this film twice, I actually find myself even more unsure of the plot line than I was before seeing it, and completely bemused as to how that’s even possible? That aside, lets get down to it.

So the story begins with Nemo Nobody (Jared Leto), who, at 118 years old, exists as the last mortal man alive. The film’s set in the year 2092 when humanity has achieved immortality through an endless renewal of cells, somehow achieved by the introduction of genetically modified pigs. The world therefore watches in fascination as Nemo approaches his end via a live-feed camera (to paraphrase T.S. Elliott: ‘this is how the world ends… not with a bang, but through a camera lens’)

 and, of course, people then want to know the story of this mans life. Hence a psychiatrist (Dr Feldheim) is helping him recapture and retell his story through hypnosis. 

Or... perhaps it’s the young journalist, hoping to find a story who manages to prod the information out of him? The film’s not specific on this. In fact: better get used to that, because the film’s not specific about an awful lot. Does Nemo choose to live with his mom, or dad? We’re not sure, and that’s exactly the point, we’re not meant to be sure. About anything. Nemo himself is unsure as to the exact details of what happened; on several occasions killing either himself, or another main character (or else alienating them from his life) before continuing his story from the perspective of another life path where he and that character co-exist - whether peaceably or not is another matter. 

The film focuses on the key moments in Nemo’s, and anyone’s, life. From (the above mentioned) choice of parentage, through to whom he chooses as a marriage partner and what job he therefore pursues. All these things inevitably lead him down a different path and we witness, not only the turbulent course of these decisions, but the sometimes pleasant, often harrowing, and overall emotional outcomes thereof. 

The film’s the butterfly effect in action basically. In terms of film, think Sliding Doors and The Butterfly Effect mixed up, and on acid, with the teeniest bit of Slumdog Millionaire-esque romance chucked in for good measure. Every action we make, every decision can affect us all differently, and in profound ways, is the message, and perhaps that’s true. Whether it’s true that a downpour of rain in New York can be caused because of an unemployed Brazilian’s desire for a boiled egg two months earlier, I don’t know. But the metaphor’s nice, and the philosophy’s there.  Leto’s acting is flawless (the best I’ve seen from him), and the cinematography throughout is probably some of the best I’ve seen of modern films. Stealing that title from Tarsem’s 2006 masterpiece: The Fall.

All in all the films not bad. It won’t join my top 10 list maybe, and I probably won’t be buying a hard copy to add to my collection, but I won’t delete the digital copy either. I don’t want to put it down, because it doesn’t deserve to be. I think it’s earned its cult following and I would suggest anyone to watch it… My advice however would be to rent, rather than buy, as I’m not sure whether you’ll love it or hate it? As for myself, I think I respect, more than love, this film.