imperfection is perfection
Sporadic film reviews by a wanna-be filmmaker
AFF: THE LOBSTER [2015]
Running from October 15-25, the Adelaide Film Festival motors onto its third day, while the program and tickets can be purchased here
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Written by Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthymis Filippou
Starring: Colin Farrell, John C. Reilly, Rachel Weisz, Ben Whishaw, Jacqueline Abrahams, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Jessica Barden, Ashley Jensen, Léa Seydoux, Angeliki Papoulia
What would you do in a world where you must have a partner, lest you be turned into an animal of your choosing?
Colin Firth plays David, whose marriage of 12 years (11 years and one month to be precise) has come to an end, where he finds himself in a lush hotel reserved for those who are single. Upon his introduction he is shown his room. His room number is 101 – a perfect sign for what is to come – and is told the laws of the land. If he does not find a partner within 45 days he will be turned into an animal and set loose into the woods. He is told that most people pick a dog, which is why the world is filled with so many dogs. Obvious, really. David’s choice is a Lobster. I won’t tell you why as it will ruin one of the many, many hilarious moments that the first half of this film is filled with. Among them is the 1984 references, which go further than his room number as he is woken every morning with a stern announcement of how many days he has left. The couples are also kept separate from the single people, as if a they are a class above them. David is able to make a couple of friends, a man with a lisp (John C. Reilly), and a man with a limp (Ben Whishaw)… who had an ex-wife who also had a limp.
The sold out crowd I saw this with was roaring with laughter, as even the narrator gets in on the act, with countless deadpan jokes that shouldn’t be funny. But they are, and I found myself slapping my knees while crying from laughter. A lot of the humour stems from the singles trying to meet other people, the ticking time-bomb of their 45-day stay, and of course discussing among themselves which animals they would like to become. Nothing is sacred in this movie, it will make a joke of anything, including a suicide attempt. Needless to say, I counted at least four walk-outs. But hey, their loss!
One person didn’t walk out mid-film but I overheard her talking to her partner/husband. Her reaction was incredibly pessimistic and insulting, as in addition to hating the movie, she stated that anyone laughing at or enjoying the film, which was almost everyone, had their own problems with what they were laughing at.
Her partner replied that he quite enjoyed it. I had to stifle my laughter to the point that snot was coming out my nose. The couple eyed me strangely and moved on.
Another element of staying within this hotel is the Hunt. At regular intervals the singles invade the woods, the area in this alternate world where single people are banished after being transformed. It is also a kind of rebel base, where single people avoiding the hotel stay. Hence the hunt; armed with tranquiliser guns, each single person is required to try and bag themselves a single person to be taken back to the hotel. Days are added to their stay if their aim is true.
To go on further would ruin the movie for any kind folk reading this, but this film is essentially separated into two halves. The first half is based in the hotel, while the second half moves to the woods. Deep down, under all the humour, is a love story that is not only touching, but, as well as the entire film, offers numerous comments on modern relationships. How we court others, the dedication one can have for another, the perceived need to share interests in common, I could go on. Having not been in a relationship in a fairly long time, I’m sure I took away a different perspective than anyone who has just had a relationship end, or someone in a relationship currently. The true genius of The Lobster is its ability to weave so many themes within the raucous comedy, which slows just a little in the second half of the film but is no less funny.
This is director Yorgos Lanthimos’ first film in English, and having never heard of him, I am very keen to see more. Not only was the camerawork unique but he also got the most out of his actors, Colin Firth in particular is extremely restrained and barely shows any emotion for the entire movie, adding more humour to the situations he finds himself in.
If I were to slap a label on this work I’d label it a surrealist, absurdist romantic comedy. This obvi0usly is not for everybody, as its humour is very far from the crowd-pleasing, user-friendly jokes (I’m looking at you, The Martian) that so many Hollywood productions are filled with. 
The humour is arresting, it is in your face and it is not for everyone. However, if this sounds like your cup of tea, you’ll be treated to an extremely unique view on modern relationships and the oddities that often arise, all while you are laughing at the extremely ludicrous jokes.
This film wins the full six-pack from me. I can’t think of a time I laughed so hard.
6/6
41 Comments on “AFF: THE LOBSTER [2015]”
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imperfection is perfection 
Oh wow, so great to read the praise for what I have initially dismissed as one of the stupidest-sounding premises I’ve come across in a long time. You just may well have melted my cold heart over this one buddy. Might have to brave this thing. Great work.
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Its absurdly funny man. The premise is pretty oddball but its the perfect movie for my tastes. I’m glad I might have converted ya ;D
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John C Reilly!
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hehe,. he only has a small role but he is funny
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I love him. ❤
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he is pretty great
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I’m going to try to see this when it becomes available; it has a unique premise and doesn’t seem predictable. Good write-up!
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Thanks Gary! :))
The humour is something else that is unpredictable. I’ve never laughed so much at a film, it was great!!
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OMG so jealous you’ve seen this one Jordan! If only this would be playing at Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF) which is coming up next week here in my city. I’ve been wanting to see this for ages, it looks so bonkers so I expect it to be rather absurd & surreal. Btw, I think you meant Colin Farrell, not Colin Firth 😉
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Woops! I must correct that, thanks for pointing that out. It is bonkers Ruth, and if you have a sense of humour you’ll be laughing yourself silly. Best thing is under all that there is a great love story – stuff I’m usually not a fan of
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No love for romance in movies eh? I think love stories are tricky because if it’s not handled correctly it can get mushy/cheesy very quickly. But there are some truly great ones out there, Jordan. Btw, I just reviewed Bridge of Spies which has no romance at all, so it should be right up your alley 😉
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Yeah it’s the sentimental cheesy stuff that puts me off. I’m looking forward to bridge of spies, it releases here on Thursday. I’ll have to check out ur review!
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Just stay away from Nicholas Sparks stuff and you’ll be ok 😛 I can’t stand those stuff either, but not every love stories are bad.
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I really should open my mind a little. I might see that Earl and the dying girl if its still playing here
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Jordan, what a great review. I’m glad you liked it. It has fueled my interest. Absurd and surreal is always cool!
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Hell yeah absurd and surreal are cool! That is how I would describe Alice in Wonderland hehe. Thanks for the kind words Cindy!
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Very keen to see this when it hits general Aussie release next week!
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The festival showing was a sell-out! I didn’t realise this flick was anticipated, I only saw it on a whim. I am so glad I did, this is easily one of my very favourite movies. I have never laughed so much.
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We are watching the same films at the moment! I liked this a lot but agree with you that it just runs out of steam. I’m a bit disappointed with the way the director lost interest in that great premise, too, but I laughed many times and don’t have many complaints. There were a few walkouts in my cinema too, which is a good sign more often than not!
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It seems that way doesn’t it! And I agree, a few walk outs can be a good sign. I agree that it kinda lost steam in the second half comedy-wise, but then the second half offered so much on relationships and love, I found it to be just perfect. And I’m reeally not a fan of romance in film either, but this was done so well I reckon. One of my favourites
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The end was quite touching, and so nice to see an unusual romantic gesture on the big screen for a change, rather than a kiss in public or a verbal declaration of love.
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Indeed! Very different from the norm
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This one has just been released here and I really hope that I get chance to see it. Great review Jordan!
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Thanks Natalie. It is very very funny!! One of the few times it was better with a big crowd
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Sounds brilliant. I can’t wait to see it!
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I started to read this and then stopped because I realized that I didn’t want to know about it yet as it won’t be out here for another month or two.. Lucky you to have been able to see it early..and I will pop back once I’ve seen it as I’m sure it’s another spot on review by you! 😀
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I make a pretty big effort to avoid any sort of spoilers, but if you wanna be careful then fair enough 😉 just know this movie is hilarious And meaningful
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I saw Dogtooth last year and was completely floored by the dark, absurdist and utterly bizarre nature of the film so I had this one on my radar for some time and your review only excites me more. Can’t wait to see it myself.
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I need to see his older stuff. This is my favourite movie in some time
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We loved this one. It took some processing though! And omg – some visuals I could have done without.
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Hahaha!!! Yes, it is an… Interesting movie to say the least
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Sounds good to me.
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It is bloody hilarious!!
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I am so jealous that you already had the chance to see it! I’ve been waiting impatiently for this one to get released from even before they began filming it, haha. And after reading your review (which is absolutely great!), I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to wait. Yorgos Lanthimos is the king of absurd films, I absolutely love him.
Since you haven’t heard of him before, I would really, really recommend you to see Dogtooth. It’s one of the first films from Greek New Wave movement and it absolutely blew me away when I first saw it. I’m sure you’ll love it. 🙂
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Yes I really need to check out this guy’s other movies. A king of the absurd you say? bring it on! 😀
The Lobster will most probably be my best for the year, I can’t recall having laughed so much
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