Director: Michel Gondry
Stars: Gael Garcia Bernal, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alain Chabat, Emma de Caunes,
Stéphane (Bernal) is a frustrated creative person working a mind-numbing and soul-sucking job. When he meets his neighbor Stéphanie he feels a connection with her, and believes that he can reach her through his fantasies. However, his own imagination becomes somewhat of a hindrance.
As a creative person myself I found myself identifying with Stéphane and his struggles. Especially since he’s in a dead-end job with no professional outlet for his creativity. I liked how his dreams were presented, the film drifted between his waking and dream life without confusion or complication. The supporting characters were entertaining and the blossoming relationship with Stéphanie was sweet, although it wasn’t a case of them falling for each other instantly. In fact, it was quite complicated, and this gave it a ring of authenticity that doesn’t always occur in movies.
At first Stéphane is charming and his tendencies to lose himself in dreams is adorable. However, as the film progresses we see how this personality quirk is detrimental to his own life, getting in the way of his job and his friendships. I think this can serve as a warning to creative people, as I know I have times when I tend to get lost in my own world and I sometimes forget how it can affect other people. It’s just a reminder that it’s important to keep an anchor in the ‘real world’ and not let our dreams overwhelm us, because while it’s a wonderful thing, as we can see through Stéphane, it can also be annoying.
I felt though that the film did drag at some points, and I’m sure the fact that it switches between English and French will frustrate some people (although I had no problem with it). The dreams were fun interludes and there were many quirky, amusing scenes. I don’t think it’s for everyone, and it may make other creative souls confront themselves, as the picture it paints is one that doesn’t shy away from showing the tortured part of the tortured soul. Stéphane is his own worst enemy and this can make him a frustrating protagonist to watch, but it’s something I can identify with and sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that other people suffer from the similar problems.