as you can no doubt tell by looking at the rating and comments on "we are the strange", the film has a distinctly polarizing effect about it. it is very easy to level negative criticism at a film of this nature. i will not necessarily disagree with some of their comments. to the casual viewer, the film may seem a disjointed mess without a single cohesive idea. in fact, most people will probably not like this film, though this film was not created to be liked. it is what it is. to some, it will seem inflated with its own sense of self-importance. and the very notion of adapting cg and stop-motion animation into one medium is hardly as revolutionary as the hype surrounding it. these are all fair criticisms.
though, to look at a film such as "we are the strange" in terms like this is a disservice. it is not so much a movie as much as it is an abstract painting or a collage and should be watched thusly. in fact, the inclusion of typical movie structuring is almost to the detriment of the work - though, the plot is simple, to the point of it being unnecessary. we are to sit back and engage the film just as the film is attempting to engage us. it is ANTI, yet, it is so human. we can find themes of pathos, desire, and fear if we choose. the room for interpretation is endless.
"we are the strange" is a vibrant piece of art, but it's not for everyone. undeniably, however, it is something to behold and a grand statement from a writer/director who has yet to realize his full potential.
though, to look at a film such as "we are the strange" in terms like this is a disservice. it is not so much a movie as much as it is an abstract painting or a collage and should be watched thusly. in fact, the inclusion of typical movie structuring is almost to the detriment of the work - though, the plot is simple, to the point of it being unnecessary. we are to sit back and engage the film just as the film is attempting to engage us. it is ANTI, yet, it is so human. we can find themes of pathos, desire, and fear if we choose. the room for interpretation is endless.
"we are the strange" is a vibrant piece of art, but it's not for everyone. undeniably, however, it is something to behold and a grand statement from a writer/director who has yet to realize his full potential.