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The imagery in Mr. Nobody baffles almost as much as Alfonso Cuaron's Gravity.
Compared with most modern films, Mr. Nobody includes visuals more stunning than its competition. That includes Jared Leto. Speaking of The Dallas Buyer’s Club Academy Award winner, Leto has starred in only a handful of films in five years and selectively collaborated with Belgian Director Jaco Van Dormael. The filming technique of Van Dormael’s major motion picture debut's mega weird, much like Aronovsky’s Requiem for a Dream. Evidently Leto has a knack for portraying strange characters exceptionally well.
Having outlived all other mortals, 120-year-old Mr. Nobody (Leto) forcibly remembers for history's sake his past and how mortal earthlings functioned. Different life story versions are presented; if only he could recall with certainty which path he took. One speculates whether elderly "Nemo" intentionally keeps personal information private or if he’s toying with nosey parties. The journey begins when each version of himself awakes from nightmares, shots intelligently transitioning from one realm to another. "I've got to wake up," the protagonist says. And sure enough, another version of himself obliges that command.
Argyle-wearing Nemo Nobody (Leto) convinces viewers that he's simultaneously lived different lives.
Physical character placement within each frame, exceptional POV shot sequencing and film treatment in some scenes make your jaw drop. "When we're not born yet we'll know everything that'll happen." An angelic woman daintily paints philtrums onto children who could once see their fate but now had that prescient talent erased from memory. Every time Nemo's creepy doctor hypnotizes him, viewers cringe as if their journey makes a turn for the worse.
The theme song rings true. With Buddy Holly's "Everyday" playing over and over again, one wonders whether Van Dormael alludes to the impending day the last mortal died. Through its music and culture portrayed, how odd that Nemo speaks British and New York English. While the film's visually quite surreal and its story non-linear, questions raised are identifiable. "Why am I me and not somebody else?" Everyone has that thought. However, their thoughts could not materialize into this gorgeous dream. - LIZ KOBAK
The reviewer saw this film on Netflix.