Put Your Thinking Caps On

Rating: 8/10 (7 May 2014)

I prefer to think of "Mr. Nobody" as a sequel to "2001: A Space Odyssey". Thematically, it seems to follow several of the concepts from that movie, especially that time is not just linear; it consists of an infinite number of possibilities which all exist simultaneously.
Since the film's action is also not linear, it leaves the story open to various interpretations. One could drown in the depths of hypothetical meanings, but it is best not to take it too seriously. The filmmaker would prefer it that way, I think. Note the way he makes the most of every opportunity to fool the viewer (e.g. the two motorcycles that look like a car in the distance).
The film has a strong style, often using primary colors in the design and rather childish, primitive or whimsical symbolism (e.g. the foot crushing the house).
Ostensibly, the main plot line involves a child (Nemo) who, before birth, was passed over by an angel who was supposed to remove all knowledge of the future from the child. When the child is nine, he has to make a choice between living with his father or mother, who are separating. Using his knowledge of the future, he quickly reviews the results of both choices and, finding neither choice leads to happiness (in chess, this is called zugzwang, meaning any possible move will worsen the situation) veers off at a crossroads.
The film's story is recounted by Nemo in his future, at age 118. We see many of the various roads Nemo's life could have taken if various choice were made, or if chance had intervened.
There are many homages or similarities to other films (and other cultural references), including "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe" and Monty Python.
The acting is good, but I felt it was undercut by the editing, which sometimes feels like the scenes were shuffled randomly.
I have to say "Mr. Nobody" was beautifully filmed. Many of the scenes have to do with common life themes, so the older viewer might find himself swept back to scenes from his own life. The beautiful or nostalgic scenes are interspersed with scenes of tedium, however, so it's like a roller-coaster ride.
Whether you want to see the film as dealing with the simultaneous existence of time paths, or you see it as a contemplation on choice/fate/randomness, this is a film that some will enjoy tremendously. Others, I think, will feel it is the fusion of philosophical ramblings and sci-fi mumbo jumbo.