Modern Love Is Automatic (2009)

Modern Love Is Automatic (2009). 1h 33m

“What can I say, this is one of my all time favorite films. I struggle to think of another film that is even remotely similar to this in terms of tone, humor, and design choices. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt has a completely fresh and remarkable style, in terms of itu0026#39;s visuals, direction, plot, and editing. It is hard to pin point what exactly it is. Not really a drama. Feels weird to call it a comedy. But it doesnu0026#39;t matter what you call it, because this is truly brilliant. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film feels very observational in nature, with a hard to discern plot that centers more on the emotional developments of itu0026#39;s two leads more than anything else. It gave me the feeling that I was listlessly drifting through a surreal world, almost like I was directly viewing the film through the eyes of itu0026#39;s own protagonist. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe humor is so on point here. So dry, with the strangest comedic timing and abrupt editing that at times will amuse you just for the lone fact of how strange it is. Scenes start quickly, and almost end just as soon, with many strange moments to be found, and many scenes consisting of characters trying to interact with the ever apathetic, silent, and uncaring Lorraine, with non-existent yet hilarious results. Adding to the humor is the strange death metal soundtrack, alerting us to the end of most scenes and serving as an anti-laugh track of sorts. I absolutely loved the contrast of the mostly quiet and sometimes plain silent film and the loud raucous growls and heavy guitars of the soundtrack.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHumor and ridiculous BDSM oriented plot aside, this film does paint some really beautiful and tragic characters. For as much as Lorraine seems to sleepwalk through her existence, thanks to Melodie Sisku0026#39;s absolutely stunning portrayal we get to see that she is in fact alive, and desperately in need to connect to the world and to feel, as we can see in her deliciously indifferent and strained attempts to connect herself to other people. And then thereu0026#39;s the lovable yet annoying and homely Adrian, who dreams of being a model and has an almost indestructible sense of hope that she will become famous, despite her only job credit being a mere prop of morally ambiguous seduction to entice men to purchase mattresses. It is all darkly humorous, yet so touching on many levels. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI cannot reiterate enough how amazing Melodie Sisk is in here. She delivers a truly nuanced performance for a very difficult character. Itu0026#39;s all too easy for a portrayal of indifference and disconnection to come off as one dimensional boredom. And yet she nails it. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s been very hard for me to articulate what this film is about and what I liked about it even, as it is just so out of this world. Just know that if you love strange and unconventionally funny films in the slightest, you have to see it. As long as you are prepared for a very strange and at times disconcerting ride, Iu0026#39;m sure you will not be disappointed.”