Anhedonia

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 Sud pralad (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.

This is a film that raises a lot of questions and only occasionally gives you answers. For most people that might be frustrating, but I prefer that in a film. Inception, Shutter Island, Primer, 2001, Mother!, Lost Highway - they all leave you wanting more, and that's exactly what I felt at the end of this beautiful microbudget film.

I feel like originiality is lacking from the cinema these days. Everything seems to be remake, sequel or franchise, so it's refreshing to find films like this.

The acting on show here, especially from Liam Blundell (Kino Warren) and Ross Leyshon (The Philistine) is full of range and intensity. Usually the first thing that suffers on lower budget films is performances, but that's really not the case here. If anything it's what gives the bizarre events throughout such emotional weight.

It's really well shot by Andrew Toovey, the music by Sebastian Moody took my breath away, and the ideas in the script are out of this world! I feel like it could've been maybe five minutes or so shorter in a couple of places, but that's minor criticism for a film this rich and profound. The ending moved me greatly and I look forward to watching it again soon. Highly recommend!

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.

"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.

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