Michael Stone (voiced by David Thewlis) is a famous customer service expert whose book has inspired countless businesses and people who work in that industry, but who is in the midst of suffering some form of mental breakdown in which he sees practically everyone – including his own wife and son – as having the same face and voice (Tom Noonan). But while away to present a conference to Cincinnati, his stay at the hotel leads to him firstly attempted to rekindle with an old flame to see if that will bring him comfort, before being surprised by a new voice and a distinctive face – Lisa (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Instantly smitten by the woman, he invites her and her friend – another Noonan – for drinks and chemistry sparks between the expert and his anomalous fan.
The first thing to mention right off the bat is the glorious stop-motion animation. With the character designs being so far into the uncanny valley that certain scenes look almost realistic (the line placed horizontally behind the eyes aside, being kept on show for good reason as the film progresses, as opposed to the likes of Laika and Aardman who conceal it), it's astounding just how well put-together the whole production is with all the effort being shown on screen. From the simple shots of a plane in the air to an elongated one-shot following Stone from the reception desk to his room and even the sex scene between Michael and Lisa, the whole thing is animated beautifully, and alone is worth the Oscar nomination it received.
However, story is key with this film, and what we have may come across as a tad simplistic but its presentation elevates it. The reasoning for Stone's sudden feelings about the world and his uneasiness to interact with the majority of character he interacts with – including his own family and former girlfriend Bella – doesn't require a backstory or explanation, and the lack of closure the film brings to it does add a sense of sadness, unless it in fact is a representation of him wishing for the perfect person to spend the rest of his life with (hence Lisa remaining unique). And with story beat and attempt at regaining control of his life leads to perhaps one of the most human stories to come out of cinema in a while. Even the steps into surrealism bring about some interesting development, and while a breakdown during the conference does feel all over the place and disjointed you at least feel for Stone as he collapses in on himself.
David Thewlis is ideal casting for Stone, as despite the actor's vocals being instantly recognisable it just fits in with the character's design and personality. He takes delivers each and every line with absolute sincerity, and the few times where comedy is given some prominence he does it perfectly. Also helping sell his performance is Jennifer Jason Leigh, whose singled-out vocal tones together with Thewlis makes for a couple whose conversations the audience loves to hear – and judging from Thewlis' character loves to hear just because she has a distinctive voice. And her singing voice makes the presented rendition of 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' even more memorable. As for Tom Noonan, he does exactly what he needs to – be a general voice that represents everyone. He mixes things up when he voices women and children, and it is impressive that he voices all bar two characters, but there's little else to mention.
Anomalisa is really a hard film to discuss, as so little yet so much happens in its 90 minute runtime. With superb direction from Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson and memorable vocal performances by its three actors, but also a story which doesn't exactly go anywhere or lead to a proper conclusion, It may be a worthwhile watch only if you're a fan of Kaufman's previous work or animation as a whole, but those willing to go in blind may thoroughly be pleased by what they see. 8/10.
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