I am not going to pretend that I got this movie. The repetition irked me in the beginning - the train windows showing miles of unchanging landscape, the hotel room where he lies but never sleeps, the two cups of espresso every time he leaves his room, the tai-chi like workouts, the Lone Man's stony, immovable face, the matchbox. What kept me watching was sheer curiosity about why big names like John Hurt, Bill Murray, Gael Garcia Bernal, would involve themselves in a movie like this.
I think it helps to be in a certain frame of mind to get something out of this seemingly meandering, plot less and pointless movie. I was actually feeling troubled and my mind was in a state of disquiet. As I sat and watched, I began to see the beauty of it - the zen sensibility of the whole undertaking, the stark darkness of some scenes, the shocking bursts of stunning colour and detail in others, the kaleidoscope like background against which the Lone Man traverses on his mysterious quest. As the credits rolled, I felt much calmer than I had when I began watching.
I don't think I would have been able to appreciate the visual richness and the quietly resolute purpose of the Lone Man, had I been in a more upbeat mood. I will be watching this again to see what else may unfold for me.
I think it helps to be in a certain frame of mind to get something out of this seemingly meandering, plot less and pointless movie. I was actually feeling troubled and my mind was in a state of disquiet. As I sat and watched, I began to see the beauty of it - the zen sensibility of the whole undertaking, the stark darkness of some scenes, the shocking bursts of stunning colour and detail in others, the kaleidoscope like background against which the Lone Man traverses on his mysterious quest. As the credits rolled, I felt much calmer than I had when I began watching.
I don't think I would have been able to appreciate the visual richness and the quietly resolute purpose of the Lone Man, had I been in a more upbeat mood. I will be watching this again to see what else may unfold for me.