Arduous and Intelligent At The Same Time

Rating: 6/10 (9 December 2013)

I sat down to Mr. Nobody with the preconceived idea that it would a monotonous, philosophical narrative without much thought or purpose. I was half correct.
While the images and artistic techniques displayed in Mr. Nobody are entrancing, they don't quite justify the length of the film. The first and last 15 minutes of the film are arguably the most intelligent portions of the movie, during which the viewer is asked philosophical questions that truly challenge everyday thinking. Sadly, however, the the greater part of the film is dominated by the unnecessary reiteration of these ideas.
Indeed, I've never felt both compelled as a viewer yet at the same time utterly bored as I did with Mr. Nobody. At times I was entranced by the imagery and introspective thoughts put forward, but at others I found myself checking my watch and wondering to myself if the movie would ever end.
The fundamental problem with this movie is not with its ideas but in its execution. The movie could have been shortened greatly yet supplied the same amount of meaning. Unfortunately, its arduous length and excessive contrasting of choices made by the main character ruined for me what could have been a neater, more polished film.