Armless

Before watching I thought armless was going to surprise me pleasantly with a quite original script. Unfortunately I was half wrong. I was surprised, but I had far from a pleasant experience. The movie started boring, kept on being boring and ended boring.

The 'story' could've been far more interesting if there was a real reason for John to want to cut of his arms. Now the reason is lame, as is his constant "you are disgusted with me, aren't you?". A free tip: if you have to ask someone constantly if you are something negative you probably are! Asking so often John gets quite annoying too.

The movie really had nothing in it and none of the actors seemed to rise above this sorry excuse of a movie. There is nothing you get from this movie, it's no fun, it has no good actors and basically no reason to watch. I made the mistake to do watch it and would not advise anyone to do the same. Be wise and let this one pass.

When I bought tickets for this film at Sundance, I was extremely skeptical. "Off-kilter" comedy could go both ways. Luckily for me, I was about to be pleasantly surprised.

Outrageously hilarious, breathtakingly sad, and utterly inspiring this film does wonders at everything it tries to accomplish. The acting is superb and the lines deliver the exact punch they had intended. I can't remember the last time I had been so engaged by a film.

The film is, as it's production crew describes, an off-beat comedy. And it is hilarious. Each character, with their own unique quirkiness, adds a bit to the entire feel of the movie. When placed all together each has a roll to play and they all come together for a fantastic, extremely INTENSE, ending.

This film is a major keeper. One in which I am greatly looking forward to seeing it again and again.

"Armless" is going down for my "BUY" list for sure!

OK, not a horrible movie, not a fantastic movie but certainly not a waste of time as some have said. I watched this movie having read the three previous reviews: two bad and one good. So I did not expect much. But I am glad that I stuck it out. Independent films give writers and directors the chance to explore topics that would never make it in the mainstream, and that is what this movie is all about. Quirky characters with interesting real dialog. Very unusual plot idea. A very touching conclusion that was the definition of true love for me. I find it to be a quiet little movie that explored a lot of human flaws and issues in a very short period of time. The doctor's assistant is my favorite character, along with the completely self-absorbed mother.

I can understand how this movie may not be for everyone. It's dark and quiet with comedy more in the silence than the dialogue. It has a very personal and secretive tone, and I would recommend watching it alone rather than in a group. Odd, soft-spoken, and questionably allegorical, the best way to enjoy this movie is to connect personally with the characters and try to understand their positions. You don't have to want to cut off your arms to understand John, you just have to know what it's like to want something desperately, feel outcast and misunderstood, or to be so comfortable in your own security that it makes you want to break free. It shows, from both sides, lies we tell ourselves and others in order to fit in. This movie is tragic in its humanity, hilarious in its tragedy, and ultimately true. Good actors, interesting plot, and it gives viewers something to think about. It's definitely worth watching on the off chance it will be for you.

I picked this up on DVD as I saw it was part of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival as well as a winner at the Toronto Independent Film Festival.

A quirky, off-beat dark comedy with great dialog that explores the bizarre side of the human condition and its unique flaws however weird they may be sometimes. I felt the impact of the lines exactly the way they intended. The comedy is understated, slow, and deliberate leaving more in the blank space than spoken.

The condition shown in the film is a very real and very rare disorder called Body Integrity Identity Disorder. A phenomenon of people who desire amputation of healthy limbs or who desire paralysis. "Quid Pro Quo' (2008) is another less based in reality movie about DIIBs. The struggles shown in "Armless" are some of the same struggles that people with the disorder may experience.

I think independent films can serve a very similar role as comic books. They allow writers and directors to try things and explore topics in weird subcultures that would never appear in the mainstream. Every once in a while a story will break from indie to mainstream if it strikes a chord.

To enjoy this you need to be into independent films and the more unusual topics. I wouldn't recommend this to basically anyone I know, although if I did I must think you are weird and cool and would be able to appreciate what most couldn't.

You don't have to also want to cut off your arms to enjoy.