Review of Mr. Nobody (2009) by Lanyard980 — 07 Aug 2021

Outstanding in every way!

This movie took my breath away, and continues to do so every time I watch it. This entire film hinges on an existential concept, that of choice and that in the moment before we make a choice, everything is possible.

Nemo as a child is presented with an impossible choice, and because he is unable to choose, everything is possible. This is where the movie spins out into the tangential and convoluted, dipping into quantum theory and various structuralist and deconstructionist philosophies. If you're looking for an action-orientated sci-fi flick, look elsewhere. This film is higher grade, requiring constant concentration - for about three hours! - and probably a second or third viewing to catch all the subtleties and nuances present not only in the obvious story, but happening in the background thanks to some truly fantastic cinematography.

Jared Leto is incredible in this film. He plays not one, but 12 iterations of adult Nemo, following the various trajectories his life could've taken given choices he could've made all stemming from the one he cannot make as a child. Of course, these various life trajectories becoming increasingly complicated and interwoven, becoming entangled with each other as Nemo's choices continue to change and distort reality.

This movie is at times contemporary romance, YA love story, sci-fi action (which some amazing scenes on Mars!), sci-fi thriller, high drama and family saga. All these threads weave together to create an epic tapestry that is difficult to digest all at once. I strongly suggest multiple viewings of this film, and it's so beautiful and with a stunning soundtrack, and so sincerely acted by Jared Leto who transforms physically and psychologically between the roles so effortlessly that I don't think setting aside three hours for this film more than once is such a tall order.

Mr Nobody is quite easily my favorite film of all time and I strongly recommend it to those who enjoy sophisticated science fiction that delves beyond the superficial aesthetic of a shiny future.