A Copy of My Mind

This movie is amazing in capturing Indonesian especially Jakarta as naked as it could. Simple people with ordinary dreams, don't really know about what the future will bring, don't care about politics, like a tiny gravel on the entire island. You mean nothing to the ruler. But when this tiny gravel suddenly got involved with the entire island, they will try to crush your tiny dream. Its a reality, the people are toyed by the ruler. They talk about hermes, vacation, election. Ordinary people talk about simple house with a little garden, and Poor people are not even dare about dreaming it. They just want to watch a pirated DVD with good sync of subtitle everyday so they could live their own dream for a moment.

Twelve years after his first ever work as scriptwriter for Arisan! (2003), ex-journalist turned filmmaker Joko Anwar is ready to get going with his own production house named Lo-Fi Flicks. Its' first ever feature collaboration with CJ Entertainment, A Copy Of My Mind has gained attentions after being screened several times at 2015 Venice International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival.

Sari, a beauty-salon worker often close her day with pirate-DVD in her own dorm room. Alek, a pirate-DVD enthusiast always work day and night to translate subtitles. Coincidentally they meet in one occurrence and slowly build undeniable feelings. Unfortunately 'one chance' comes in the way during the chaos of political equality that will change their future relationship.

Piracy is the biggest threat for creativity especially in movie industry every country has to face. Anwar had brilliantly used two personal point of views here, producer and consumer who fall for each other. I love how those pirate-DVD getting distributed to underground retails in first half. The latter half marks the socio-politics turmoil where the elites always gain the upper hands in almost every situations.

Anwar uses indie approach to gritty stages of Jakarta such as packed dorm, traffic jam, small alleys, dark corners with available lighting. DOP Tanjung has sights on some understated set pieces. Slow pace might disrupt your attention but still consistent enough to give much time needed for you to learn about these unfortunate characters and their own problems until reach its culminating point.

Jerikho reassures his physical appearances as hustling rogue but resolved and kind-hearted guy. Basro always seems in high confidences apart from limitations, to bring her own justifications all the time. Their gritty chemistry from lust to love is visible with every compromise acts. Panigoro steals the show through limited screen times. While Agusta shows his mean sides deliberately.

A Copy Of My Mind is Anwar's affinity for movies, a contemporary romance drama with interesting character studies and strong conflict relevances. When it comes to a sense of thriller towards the end, Anwar chooses to stay on precise narrative to wrap things up. Final impression will stay longer than you can imagine, even long after you walk away from cinemas. Your mind will be blown by a pair of helpless lovers in seeking of their own entertainment and testament.

A bleak romance portrayal of the slum side life of Jakarta. With an undeniably strong chemistry between the two lovers struggling with their own demons within themselves.

Also Tara Basro's performance here is top notch.

Joko Anwar's 'A Copy of My Mind' is pretty straightforward on its telling but digs seriously deep on its meaning and emotions. Tara Basro and Chicco Jerikho's intimate performances couldn't be better. Both at the very top of their games. And, of course, you gotta love Joko Anwar for showing yet another side of his filmmaking flexibilities. An excellence in filmmaking.