Anhedonia

Every year we hope that the Indie scene can keep thriving and challenging the constraints of the standard blockbuster. In a current climate where the hot debate seems to be the 'cinephile' Vs 'comic book lovers' (which would actually make for a great title in the MCU no?) it seems Anhedonia has come just at the right time.

The premise of the film should really give a hint to the viewer that this isn't a typical character study of a man discovering himself, although there are elements of that here, rather it focuses on the human spirit. Okay I know that sounds real cheesy and Richard Curtis is probably already reading this through an algorithm he checks daily but this film does a fantastic job of avoiding the cliches.

Everything has been plotted out to allow our character to go on a true arc, the obvious symbolism of the vast countryside are not too on the nose, rather it amplifies the characters grief and also the settings just look fantastic so why wouldn't you get in those amazing establishing shots. The only details missing are the whereabouts of each character, in building an ambitious plot/world the viewer can get lost in between scenes and yet this doesn't hold it back. In fact you could say that it just further pushes the tone (both filmic and in this case a literal musical tone) to the forefront.

Finally it's clear how much dedication, work and love has gone into creating this film. Just by the short rolling credits we gain an appreciation for how this is true indie cinema, no doubt full of favours and rather than relying on grandeur it's filmmakers have let the story unfold and with it a highly satisfying conclusion.

I wanted to like it so much. There are few things I enjoy more than discovering new, brilliant filmmakers. You should have seen me jumping up and down after happening upon Tropical Malady (2004), which at the time was obscure even by Cannes film festival standards. I definitely can take arthouse - I'm French, for crying out loud -, I can take slow, I can take weird.

Don't get me wrong, there is definite talent in Anhedonia. There is tone and personality. Interesting subject matter. Good use of inside/outside scene contrast. Lots of work on the sound design and photography.

But overall, it did not live up to the rave reviews for me. When, as a viewer, you embark upon deconstructed storytelling, you want something to hang your hat on to. It may not be plot, it may not be character development. But, something. The eerie weirdness of Robbe-Grillet, the depth of insight in Godard, the sheer beauty of Lynch's nightmares, the maniacal machines of Greenaway. The desperate layer-peeling of Coppola's Conversation, Nolan's Memento or Aronofsky's Pi. Most of all, what you need to get through the night is a little something called tension.

And tension, for me, was not there. The main character is on a quest, and there is a ruthless killer on his trail, but none of that matters if there is no truth there, to make you care.

That is where Anhedonia let me down. It is a nice intellectual construction. But I found it artificial through and through. The depressed hero, the maniacal villain, the enigmatic mentor, the multi-dimension universe all go through the expected motions. But for me, they did not resonate. It felt like there was no point other than the complexity itself, a convoluted path leading you back to where you started with nothing to show for it.

It may well be that I was expecting too much. Or that I am not the intended target. Or that I missed the point. I do hope it is the latter. I do hope the filmmaker will, in time, have lots to say about life, art, love, death or whatever it is he wants to talk about. I will watch his next film. Because there are few things I enjoy more than discovering new, brilliant filmmakers.

I totally loved this film, it showcased how much we need variety in cinema, low budget, but produced on a way that is slick and able to exude quality. The storyline is captivating, it's very different, it's that unique aspect that draws you in, I loved the almost surreal aspect. Visually it made great use of the landscape, which was both harsh and incredible. Standout for me was the villain of the piece, Ross Leyshon.

Loved it. 9/10

"Ahedonia" is a real gem! One of those that are becoming all too rare. It is a delight to watch : the unusual pace of the story leave us captivated, the characters are interesting, starting with Kino (the late composer Arvo Part's alter ego); the director succeeds into bringing together poetry, dazzling visual and editing ideas and even humor in this drama. All of us need this kind of films that deal with Art (with a capital A), friendship and beauty, all in a lively and original way.

The film made me want to follow the works by Michael Henry, the English director, who is also the producer and an actor. I won't be surprised to see more and more people talking about his works.

One of a kind. Loved this from start to finish! A "metaphysical thriller", featuring dream worlds that resemble a corporate version of the Black Lodge in Twin Peaks, with a hilarious but terrifying villain like something out of a Coen Brothers film. Otherworldly and incredibly emotional.

NOTE: Not for everyone! If you don't like weird films, or films that challenge you then this won't be for you. It's unlike anything I've seen before. I love arty films so this was exactly my kind of thing.