What may at first seem like a film somewhat reminiscent of Wiseman's Central Park, with Marker taking us through a day in the life of Tokyo, Japan. A location that often becomes the focus of his gaze.
It quickly becomes apparent that something much deeper, though subtle, is being conveyed here.
From the onset of things, he immediately confronts us with what is real vs what is construed, with the first juxtaposition of images. Showing us, first, a woman playing music, followed by a robot doing the same in her likeness.
He then begins to interview a beautiful young French woman who seems like she may love cats even more than himself. And one cannot help but think: Is she the woman from La Jetee? Whom the protagonist travels through time to find, time and time again...the object of his attention, haunting his memory, in both waking reality and his dreams.
She narrates their journey through the city, which begins with a stop at an arcade. So as to suggest this reality is all just an illusion. A game we exist within, and are all playing.
The devil's game- a life stuck inside a material existence...yearning for freedom. Liberation.
The game's goal is to keep you confined within it, caught among the masses.
Herded, between the stations, and shopping malls.
Allured, by the sights, the sounds, and general sensory overload of incoming stumuli.
Occupied, by distractions. On the screen, in the streets. Advertisements drawing you in, and people looking into your eyes as you, or they, pass by.
Observation and experience the mechanisms that keep you engaged- as a willing participant.
Repeating the tedious tasks of everyday life...over...and over again.
Despite this world being our prison, however, there is a certain beauty in it.
A beauty that is derived from Love- the only aspect of it that is wholly and truly real.
For in this simulated reality, life is but a dream.
And it's all just a game.
So enjoy it, and have fun while you can.
Just remember, while love may haunt your memory, it will be what liberates you in the end.
8.5 out of 10.
It quickly becomes apparent that something much deeper, though subtle, is being conveyed here.
From the onset of things, he immediately confronts us with what is real vs what is construed, with the first juxtaposition of images. Showing us, first, a woman playing music, followed by a robot doing the same in her likeness.
He then begins to interview a beautiful young French woman who seems like she may love cats even more than himself. And one cannot help but think: Is she the woman from La Jetee? Whom the protagonist travels through time to find, time and time again...the object of his attention, haunting his memory, in both waking reality and his dreams.
She narrates their journey through the city, which begins with a stop at an arcade. So as to suggest this reality is all just an illusion. A game we exist within, and are all playing.
The devil's game- a life stuck inside a material existence...yearning for freedom. Liberation.
The game's goal is to keep you confined within it, caught among the masses.
Herded, between the stations, and shopping malls.
Allured, by the sights, the sounds, and general sensory overload of incoming stumuli.
Occupied, by distractions. On the screen, in the streets. Advertisements drawing you in, and people looking into your eyes as you, or they, pass by.
Observation and experience the mechanisms that keep you engaged- as a willing participant.
Repeating the tedious tasks of everyday life...over...and over again.
Despite this world being our prison, however, there is a certain beauty in it.
A beauty that is derived from Love- the only aspect of it that is wholly and truly real.
For in this simulated reality, life is but a dream.
And it's all just a game.
So enjoy it, and have fun while you can.
Just remember, while love may haunt your memory, it will be what liberates you in the end.
8.5 out of 10.
