Review of Code 46 (2003) by Yurena S — 04 Jun 2008

Michael Winterbottom is a different filmmaker and auteur. His approach of how to create a film and the end result becomes something more than a cinematic experience. He taps into something within in certain cases. As in the case with "Code 46". A futuristic setting reveals a part drama/part love story where Tim Robbins is a government investigator of a fraud, and in his hunt for the quilty one he encounters Samantha Mortons character Maria. Their encounter developes into a love bond that meets a set of difficulties due to the breach of the Code 46. A code that means that they are genetically incompatible to each other.

Winterbottom has set "Code 46" in Shanghai where the backdrop becomes futuristic no matter what. One can sense a touch of "Blade Runner" in "Code 46", but more so of the Aldous Huxley book "Brave New World". We see a world where one needs a specific permit to be able to travel, something the government control. A world where people are more multilingual and add words in different languages in their ordinary vocabulary. A world where memory erasing is a reality. Maybe a world we are not that far from.

"Code 46" moves within a dreamlike state where visuals and sound creates something more than a film as mentioned. At points I feel I am watching a documentary due to the way Winterbottom has assembled the pieces of his vision. I am not a fan of either Robbins or Morton, but they nail their characters. In Mortons case even more so. And ending this piece with Coldplays beautiful song "Warning Sign" was the icing on the cake. I surrender.

I enjoyed "Code 46". A different journey into a different visual landscape. I hope Winterbottom keeps feeding me with his visions. Thanks mate.