On the twenty- eighth episode of ATFT, cinematographer Josie Cruz joins me in analyzing (and solving) Jaco Van Dormael’s 2009 film Mr. Nobody as it celebrates its 15th anniversary! This episode is spoiler filled.
Mr. Nobody is a sci- fi fantasy film that explores the butterfly effect by portraying the story in a non- linear structure. The film follows Nemo Nobody (at various points in his life from pre- birth to 118 years old) who, at nine years- old, is faced with an impossible decision when his parents divorce: should he live with his mother or his father? Through his contemplation, we see the many different life paths he would have through either decision… adding up to about twelve different lives. It is a beautiful film viewed through a child’s eyes about indecision and committing to decisions while also exploring scientific concepts like the Big Crunch theory. The film stars Jared Leto, Diane Kruger, Sarah Polley, Juno Temple, and Rhys Ifans. Mr. Nobody has become a hidden gem, possibly because it was not released in the US.
Mr. Nobody is a very confusing film. It is challenging to follow and possibly even harder to articulate in discussion. At times I felt as though I failed at explaining and hypothesizing this film since I wasn’t sure I was making sense. I hope those who have seen Mr. Nobody are empathetic towards this and, as Josie suggests, maybe us trying to talk about this film makes the episode even more enjoyable.
This is Josie’s second appearance on ATFT! Josie was a guest on the Past Lives episode released last December. Not only do I regard that episode as one of the best ATFT episodes released thus far, I was stunned by Josie’s analytical takes when dissecting the film. She has become one of my favorite people to analyze films with. As we discuss in the beginning of this episode, there are some similarities to Past Lives and Mr. Nobody, which is exactly why I wanted her to join me in discussing this beautiful, complex hidden gem. This episode was recorded on August 22, 2024.
Josie is a Jacksonville- based cinematographer who has been streaming live, under the username jojigami, on Twitch for four years now! She streams fun video games such as Until Then with realistic interactive characters in a truly extraordinarily designed visuals and music. As someone who has joined her for two streams, it is really fun to watch Josie play these games while interacting in the chat. Click this link, https://www.twitch.tv/jojigami, to follow Josie on Twitch, watch her past streams, and leave a donation on her “About” page! Keep listening until the end of the episode to learn more about Josie’s Twitch streams and when you can join her livestreams!
In this episode, Josie and I attempt to understand Mr. Nobody while also analyze the deeper meanings underlying the film. We also make comparisons to other films. While Josie compared Mr. Nobody to Everything Everywhere All at Once, I compared the film to Tenet. Josie also talks about her personal resonance to the film, why she liked probably- unlikable character Elise, and her favorite of Nemo's many possible life paths. All this and more on the latest episode of All the Film Things!
Background music created and used with permission by the Copyright Free Music - Background Music for Videos channel on YouTube.
