Read Mixed User Reviews for Anomalisa

6

smiyamotJun 8, 2016

Sometimes you see a movie and you feel like it's message just goes over your head. Everyone Michael meets has the same voice. Does that mean he sees them as all the same? He hears a girl in the hallway and she has a different voice. WhatSometimes you see a movie and you feel like it's message just goes over your head. Everyone Michael meets has the same voice. Does that mean he sees them as all the same? He hears a girl in the hallway and she has a different voice. What does that mean? He gives a lecture on treating each customer like a person, but is he incapable of treating the people in his life that way? Did the writer of this story have an inspired idea but didn't know where to take it? or did I just miss the point?… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

Mike_MJan 9, 2016

This padded-out feature would have made a very good short.
There are good scenes, and ideas worth considering, but absolutely not enough of them for a feature.
The stop-motion and design are great, but it has problems on theThis padded-out feature would have made a very good short.
There are good scenes, and ideas worth considering, but absolutely not enough of them for a feature.
The stop-motion and design are great, but it has problems on the story/art/intellect side because of stretching the run time past what the story/themes can bear.

Too many of the scenes (whether attempts at exploring the humdrum, or attempts at absurdist conflict) subtract more than they add to the whole. The main metaphor of a Fregoli delusion well-represents a kind of mid-life crisis, but it also loses quite a bit in flattening out the mid-life crisis into a general alienation (granted, with a mix of older existentialism issues, and newer ones such as 'personhood as illusory'). In a short film, this bare-bones metaphor would have enough of a poetic quality to work. But here, when the story is stretched out, we are constantly reminded of the lack of particulars. And at some point, not telling us more about the main character and his problems is just coy or frigid on Kaufman's part.

I should note that I have no problem with the main character being unsympathetic, nor the attempt at exploring the humdrum side of life in many scenes, nor the film's plot/conclusions being flat/troubling/puzzling, nor scenes that aren't always "entertaining". But those scenes have to do something besides show you that dull dialogue imitates dull talk in life. And if Kaufman was interested in tone/lyricism, theme, and irony OVER human particulars (and therefore other things that art can do), he was obliged to take careful, un-self-indulgent account of what the story could sustain. For the second film in a row, he hasn't.

I see why, on the the business side, this CAN'T be a $3M short when you can make a $10M feature instead. But this has no bearing on whether the feature has problems. And I understand why a lack of human particulars is fitting for puppets (and how from an ironic, existentialist and behaviorist point-of-view, we might be more puppets than we care to admit), but a few modern ideas don't automatically make 90 minutes worth of story.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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6

MattyiceJan 1, 2016

While Anomalisa touches upon really deep and fantastic themes and is shot really well, it does not work as a complete film. The film is a message/theme first and a film second; the two main characters are entirely uninteresting, the plotWhile Anomalisa touches upon really deep and fantastic themes and is shot really well, it does not work as a complete film. The film is a message/theme first and a film second; the two main characters are entirely uninteresting, the plot moves slowly in the first half of the film, and the gratuitous sex and nudity is just creepy and adds minimal to the story. Charlie Kaufman shows his amazing skill as a writer and film philosopher with Anomalisa's deep themes and great art design, but shows his failure as a director as the film lacks an engaging plot, nor does it have interesting and relatable characters. I expected much better from Kaufman, and I hope he leaves the directing to others in the future.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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6

BeeceeJan 20, 2016

Jennifer Jason Leigh does a good job vocalizing the main female character, Lisa. The animation is charming, although I didn't have the feeling that this film couldn't have been made in the usual way. However, the plot is fairly tiresome -Jennifer Jason Leigh does a good job vocalizing the main female character, Lisa. The animation is charming, although I didn't have the feeling that this film couldn't have been made in the usual way. However, the plot is fairly tiresome - middle aged married man on a business trip is attracted to a young woman who initially idolizes him (as a customer service guru). The attempt to make contact with an old flame seems like a promising plot twist, but it doesn't go anywhere.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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4

shaunmedJan 20, 2016

The trailer is a HUGE deception in that it makes the film out to be uplifting whereas in truth this is typical Kaufman misery. The movie shows the quiet desperation of loneliness and offers no redemption in return. If it wasn't for theThe trailer is a HUGE deception in that it makes the film out to be uplifting whereas in truth this is typical Kaufman misery. The movie shows the quiet desperation of loneliness and offers no redemption in return. If it wasn't for the beautiful puppetry, I would say it is a complete waste of time.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

Simpsons92Jan 3, 2016

Honestly, i don't get the hype at all. I was excited because of the trailer and the huge reception, however this movie was a huge pretentious bore. It was too long for such a dull plot, the ending was predictable and i didn't feel anythingHonestly, i don't get the hype at all. I was excited because of the trailer and the huge reception, however this movie was a huge pretentious bore. It was too long for such a dull plot, the ending was predictable and i didn't feel anything relevant about the characters. You always expecting to see some twist, something more but ultimately it comes too short and the movie itself felt unfinished...the animation was excellent and i liked some aspects of Anomalisa but overall it's a complete waste of time and if you somehow want to get depressed, then i recommend you this movie.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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5

foxgroveDec 31, 2015

A quirky and an unusually adult entry into the animation field. This Charlie Kaufman written and directed oddity isn’t without its moments, some of which are very tender indeed. However, like all his other very original output I’m sure itA quirky and an unusually adult entry into the animation field. This Charlie Kaufman written and directed oddity isn’t without its moments, some of which are very tender indeed. However, like all his other very original output I’m sure it won’t stand up to repeat viewings. Critics have been running out of superlatives for this curiosity which whilst it doesn’t bore one, it doesn’t wow either. One watches in a kind of fascinated indifference. As with all Kaufman’s output there is definitely less here than meets the eye.… Expand

4 of 15 users found this helpful411

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6

TVJerryJan 28, 2016

Charlie Kaufman is known for screenplays that take an unusual approach to cinematic storytelling. His latest (which he also co-directed) expands those boundaries again. It centers around an author who’s lost his inspiration in life. WhileCharlie Kaufman is known for screenplays that take an unusual approach to cinematic storytelling. His latest (which he also co-directed) expands those boundaries again. It centers around an author who’s lost his inspiration in life. While visiting Cincinnati for a lecture, he meets a young woman who changes his outlook. Now the twist: Stage it in stop-motion animation using eerily human-looking felt puppets. Technically, it’s brilliantly realized and fascinating to watch, right down to the subtle facial expressions. As for entertainment value, it slows to tedium about half way thru. Just because it’s animated is no excuse for the self-indulgent pacing. This would have been a incredible short, but the conceptual gimmick can’t make up for the tedious length.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

fungusgnatMar 6, 2016

The theme seems to be the place of romantic love in one’s life, or the value attached to it—specifically, that it cannot compensate for a lack of self-esteem. Kaufman has worked this ground in the past, and, I think, more effectively,The theme seems to be the place of romantic love in one’s life, or the value attached to it—specifically, that it cannot compensate for a lack of self-esteem. Kaufman has worked this ground in the past, and, I think, more effectively, especially in "Adaptation" (2002). The current film is interesting, and the use of animation helps convey the robotic nature of other humans in Michael’s world. But for me, and for reasons I don’t fully understand, the film falls flat. Too much ennui, maybe. Or perhaps Michael is just too helpless to invite my empathy. Or it could be that the various oddnesses of Michael’s world diverted too much of my attention from the central story line.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

clarkestarMar 25, 2016

Anomalisa has a strong aesthetic that complements its bold treatment of the human condition caught in the throws of (a perceived 21st century) isolation endemic.

The film has purpose and it has an accomplished director at its helm.Anomalisa has a strong aesthetic that complements its bold treatment of the human condition caught in the throws of (a perceived 21st century) isolation endemic.

The film has purpose and it has an accomplished director at its helm. However, the message is somewhat diluted by its simplicity, with its 90minute run-time working to grate against the palatability of the director's expression.

If you were to replace the claymation with live actors it would become apparent how pedestrian and unfulfilling Anomalisa actually is.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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4

sonickoalaJan 27, 2016

I was profoundly disappointed by this movie. Evidently, as some of his previous works demonstrate, Kaufman has the capacity to write complex, emotionally moving films that explore the human condition and encourage the audience to reflect onI was profoundly disappointed by this movie. Evidently, as some of his previous works demonstrate, Kaufman has the capacity to write complex, emotionally moving films that explore the human condition and encourage the audience to reflect on life and what it means to be.

"Anomalisa" is not one of them. This film feels so haphazard and disjointed; there's an utter lack of thematic cohesion and its attempts to provoke some kind of emotional response from the audience fall utterly flat. I can't remember the last time I've been so misled by a trailer; the clips and quotes you hear in the trailer are literally the best lines in the film, and within the larger context of "Anomalisa" itself, they lack any sort of punch. The universal voice idea is an interesting one, but it's used with limited effect in the film.

I won't deny that the film has some interesting things to say, but the way it presents these ideas is so poor and schizophrenic; they're just abruptly thrown into the dialogue in such an amateurish fashion. It's almost hard to believe this is the same mind behind films like "Eternal Sunshine" or "Synecdoche".

I simply can't recommend this film to anyone, even to fans of Kaufman's previous work. This is a movie that really could have benefited from a longer run-time, as it was sorely wanting for further character and general thematic development.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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4

PimplupJun 5, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie stars Michael Stone, a man who has money, fame, and a wife & son. He flies to another state for a 1-day business trip and asks two different women to sleep with him. The second one agrees, so you get to see a gentle (yet graphic) stop-motion sex scene between 2 clay people. The next morning, he says he wants to leave his wife to be with her, but then a minute later he just loses interest in her and heads back home to his family.

The movie does some clever things to show you how Michael sees the world. The advice in his book & speech is to treat every customer as an individual, yet nearly everyone he interacts with uses the exact same voice, conveying to the viewer that Michael finds it impossible to see their individuality (i.e. "the Fregoli delusion"). The dialogue and animation suggest that he has other symptoms of psychosis too, to the point where it's easy to feel sorry for him.

The stop-motion animation was really well-done, but the only takeaway I got from the movie was "if someone seems like a douche, maybe they're just mentally ill".… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

hamidgoodarziJul 12, 2023

debatable
A stop motion animation that we see in many contemporary animations. The film can be classified as a conceptual film. It is an animation that has its ups and downs, but it is highly debatable and can be discussed in detail,debatable
A stop motion animation that we see in many contemporary animations. The film can be classified as a conceptual film. It is an animation that has its ups and downs, but it is highly debatable and can be discussed in detail, including the design of people's faces and the similarity of people, etc.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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