Review of Anomalisa (2015) by Brian S — 22 Jan 2016

Creating stories in which we explore the minds of his subjects, be it an actor (1999s Being John Malkovich), a writer (2002s Adaptation.) an ex-lover (2004s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) or a director (2008s Synecdoche, New York)-Charlie Kaufman has proven he has a distinguished knack of diving into the cerebral conscious of his topics that reveal the quirkiness, charm and darkness within humanity.

While stylistically Kaufman's 2015 film Anomalisa is an animated feature (Duke Johnson serves as co-director), many of the same elements that imbue his past efforts are painstakingly placed in this stop-motion work about the banality of the everyday.

Focusing on an individual on a business trip (voiced by David Thewlis), Kaufman sets out to explore the ordinary-in the dialogue, the sets, the plot-and the effects it has on people. The desired outcome is brought to life via the animation and it stands as a great medium for Kaufman and his team to visually tell their story.

While simple, everyday things may be that-simple-the craftsmanship and production on display within Anomalisa make it anything but-a special and unique event. With a minimal cast (Jennifer Jason Leigh and Tom Noonan round out the trio) that exemplifies the minimal story, this successfully creates an experience that is both simple yet impactful with juxtapositions that may leave some wide-eyed or left feeling gloomy-that is Charlie Kaufman's intent in Anomalisa-as mundane as it sounds.