Review of Human Nature (2001) by Bryan W — 07 Dec 2009

If Charlie Kaufman is a hit or miss writer, this film can be easily chalked up in the 'miss' category. Kaufman is fantastic at making pointed commentary about the human condition through completely absurd situations, but this particular film comes across as so bland in its execution that the absurd seems stupid and the commentary seems forced.

Granted, it has great moments of humor and it is spectacularly acted, even if Rhys Ifans can come across a bit too much like a Geico caveman at points, but the entirety of the proceedings are dragged down by Gondry's listless and pat direction. Gondry had clearly matured by the time of their second effort, which, as everyone knows, netted both the writer and director Academy Awards, but that isn't the only factor at fault for the execution. The problem is the man just wasn't suited for the material.

From watching a movie like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, it's clear that Gondry has a talent for great visuals, and this film provides him with no opportunity to execute any, so what we're left with is film with clever humor that bashes us over the head with messages that should have been blended with the humor on a subtle level to provide intellectual snorts in the way Kaufman's best efforts have.