Monday, August 27, 2018

Mute (2018)



Number Rolled: 64
Movie Name/Year: Mute (2018)
Tagline: He doesn’t need words.
Genre: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Length: 126 minutes
Rating: TV-MA
Production Companies: Liberty Films UK, Studio Babelsberg
Producer: Trevor Beattie, Collin Creighton, Stuart Fenegan, Pauline Fischer, Christoph Fisser, Bill Johnson, Henning Molfenter, Ted Sarandos, Charles J.D. Schlissel, Jim Seibel, Charlie Woebcken
Director: Duncan Jones
Writer: Michael Robert Johnson, Duncan Jones
Actors: Alexander Skarsgård, Seyneb Saleh, Robert Sheehan, Paul Rudd, Daniel Fathers, Nikki Lamborn, Noel Clarke, Robert Kazinsky, Gilbert Owuor, Justin Theroux, Ulf Herman, Andrzej Blumenfeld, Jannis Niewöhner, Mia-Sophie Bastin, Lea-Marie Bastin, Dominic Monaghan

Blurb from Netflix: When his girlfriend vanishes, a mute man ventures into a near-future Berlin’s seamy underworld, where his actions speak louder than words.


Selina’s Point of View:
There’s very little that’s unique about the actual story in Mute, but it’s got an interesting take with the cyber-punk background and the Amish/mute main character.

I had some issues with the beginning. There was a bit of a pacing issue that made me feel kind of bored for the first 15 minutes or so. Considering the long run-time of Mute, I think a lot of what I had issue with could have been cut with little to no effect on the overall product.


Once I got passed the start, though, I wound up absorbed by the twists and turns of the quest the main character went on.

Mute also had one of the single most brutal scenes I’ve ever seen in it. Not just because of the actual violence involved, but because of the various plot lines that converge on the point – including some ridiculously terrifying use of sound to drive the point home. No spoilers, of course, but once you watch the film, you’ll know what I’m talking about.


Cat’s Point of View:
This movie was rather refreshing. It delivered something interesting and unique that surpassed my expectations. This is definitely one of the Netflix Originals that they got right. Of course, it helps that the writer and director has talent literally running through his veins. Duncan Jones (Whistle, Moon, Source Code), son of the late and legendary David Bowie (The Prestige, Arthur and the Invisibles, Bandslam), really captured the essence of this futuristic mystery.

The world inhabited by this story’s tragic characters is gritty and dark, but it is set in contrast with the sheen of ultra-modern architecture and other technological wonders. I loved the idea that things present in today’s world might still be knocking around in the future. I also had a good laugh over the future’s currency – but that’s something else entirely. You’ll know why when you see it.

The visuals, while excellent, stayed appropriately in the background rather than detracting from or fighting with the story. Let me tell you – this is a good one. There’s a lot of subtle nuance laced into the world surrounding the characters as well, giving context to this future world without overtly spelling things out for the audience.

We’ve talked before about the challenges of a non-verbal character. Alexander Skarsgård (War on Everyone, The Legend of Tarzan, Big Little Lies) really stood out for me in his role as Leo.  He’s not the only well-known actor here either.


Before I explore some of the others, though, I have to gush for a moment about Seyneb Saleh (Offroad, The Lies of the Victors, Dogs of Berlin) in the role of Naadirah. Blue hair and alabaster skin is a stunning combination. I enjoyed the pathos of her character and I hope to see her in more movies in the future.

I have to say that his type of character is a bit different from what I’m used to seeing from Paul Rudd (Dinner for Schmucks, Wanderlust, Fun Mom Dinner). It was an unexpected detour, and yet he aced the essence of an ‘asshole American.’ 

Jones also did a really good job here weaving comedy into the darkness that dances with romance and mystery in this story. There’s just enough of a light touch to some moments to keep it from getting too heavy. I won’t lie, though, there’s only so much levity. I am such a sap.

All told, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I’m not sure that I’d hop on this feels rollercoaster again soon, but I’d probably give this one another watch to see if I could catch more tidbits in the background. I certainly wouldn’t have any problems recommending it to others. Just keep in mind that this should be considered a really strong R Rating.


Languages
Speech Available: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German
Subtitles Available: English, Spanish, French, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 16%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 48%
Metascore - 35/100
Metacritic User Score – 5.4/10
IMDB Score – 5.4/10

Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating3.5/5
Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating4/5

Movie Trailer:

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