Jean-Jacques Beineix Collection: Locked-In Syndrome (Cinema Libre DVD)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras: D Documentary/Shorts: C
Famed
French director Jean-Jacques Beineix, directs 3 different stories in a new DVD
collection from Cinema Libre. They are Locked-In Syndrome, Mr. Michel's Dog, and Otaku. Each story gives a unique perspective into the
life/lives of extraordinary people. Locked-In Syndrome is the true story of
editor-in-chief of French ELLE
magazine Jean-Dominique Bauby, after a brain stroke he woke nearly paralyzed in
all his body. In spite of his change, he
manages to communicate by only blinking his left eye where he tells his
experience through his new world view. Mr.
Michel's Dog is about a man who fools his neighbors that he has an
imaginary dog, but life gives him a real twist when the real thing comes along.
Otaku
is a documentary that delves into Japanese culture, made up of a mostly male
culture of images, animation, and other events. It tells the story of a phenomenon that has
taken its society by storm, about why it developed, why it flourishes and asks
the question 'Are the Otaku any really different than any other person?'
These
three stories of Jean-Jacques Beineix takes a unique view into a life changed,
what people would see as abnormal, handicap, or just a fanatic. Each story shows the inner thinking, working
and thoughts of these people, through reasoning and interviews they shed a bit
of insight into the human mind. Lock-In Syndrome features a story of a
man who lost all motor actions feels trapped in his own body and how it has
changed his view and values in life. Mr. Michel's Dog is a amusing short
story of how a man fools his neighbors that he has a dog, but soon his theatrics
comes back to haunt him. Otaku is a documentary that breaks the
stereotype what people think 'Otaku' is, it's more than just a bunch of kids
who are into comics, animation or cosplay.
What these three stories have in common is the people in each, by society; they
are no longer considered normal. And yet
after watch their tales the viewer can still understand them and their reasons.
Maybe these people really aren't so
strange or different after all, sure their lives are different, regardless of
if it was by accident, purpose, or intent, it makes the viewers question is it
really so strange or different than anyone who IS 'normal'.
- Ricky Chiang
