Mr. Nobody (2009)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  142 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 157 Minutes) 

Rated: 15    

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Director:  Jaco Van Dormael

Starring: Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, Linh-Dan Pham, Rhys Ifans, Natasha Little, Toby Regbo, Juno Temple

IMDB Rank: 7.7/10

Part 1 Time: 77 Minutes  (Director’s Cut: 72 Minutes)

Part 2 Time: 65 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 85 Minutes)

***The DVD chapters are split into 10 minute intervals, making a break in between chapters awkward. The split in the film comes at 2 minutes and 30 seconds into chapter 9.

***This is a rare instance where the theatrical version although shorter in runtime has a longer first half. I believe this is due to the editing of the film where they may have switched the placement of some scenes. Nevertheless the break within the theatrical and director’s cut happens between the same scenes.

Where does the first part end? Anna (Diane Kruger) walks in the New York train station, reminiscing about the whereabouts of Nemo (Jared Leto).

Final line of dialogue on the first part: Anna’s thoughts are vocalized, “Maybe you’re here very close. Nemo do you hear my voice?”

First line of dialogue on the second part: In an alternate space-time continuum Nemo is in a Cryo chamber. He awakens and states “Anna.”

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, the film is essentially the butterfly effect and the theory of multiple realities rolled into one. It’s an unforgettable film that really makes you wonder what if a person could view the world in four demonstrations, viewing not only their linear life from birth to death, but also alternative realities shaped by the decisions we make.

Which part is better? This film needs to be carefully watched as it continues to jump from one reality to the next showcasing all of Nemo’s linear timelines. Part two is given the advantage as we are able to comprehend all the possible outcomes that could have been Nemo’s life and how his fateful choice at the age of nine becomes the catalyst for his inability to make a choice.

Academy Awards:  None