Thomas in Love

After the film experience of Belgian director Pierre-Paul Renders' "Thomas in Love," if we think about it, the title literally says what the film is all about. Yet in the beginning, we probably don't pay much attention to this title detail, 'cos we are dazzled by the amazing computer-digital video work of Clara and her simulated movements & sounds in 'sextoon.' We get the story of Thomas Thomas, an eight-year agoraphobic 32 year old, by (not actually seeing him, but) his going about his daily activities strictly through the technological device and mercy of videophoning: his interactions with the people he calls up, talks to, cybersex with on screen through his computer. Yes, it may sound like a lot of conversations/dialogs, but the nuances are felt in between the subtle unspoken moments, hesitating pauses… The visuals are impressive: from bright colorful setups, to the intimate background/room environment the person on the screen is in, and the interesting symbols on the faces of each video-in-person, including Thomas' mother and her friends. We also get to view cyber poetry transmitted, and somehow get a sense of how a cybersex suit is applied and plugged-in for virtual two-way connection. It's truly an imaginative filmic experience and it's beyond simply hi-tech alright! The ingenious aspect is how sensitivity and emotions were definitely not lacking throughout the film (and humor is included.) Certainly more warm (and hotter at times) than Wayne Wang's "Center of the World" 2001.

Yes, if you appreciate the film "Thomas in Love," definitely visit its official site sponsored by IFC (served from Independent Film Channel's sextranet) - there is warning prior to entry of the site that it "contains content of a sexually explicit nature which is not suitable for young audiences…continue if you are over the age of 18 and not easily offended by sexual content." So, yes, this film is NFE (Not For Everyone.)

If you're curious about what possibilities of interacting in cyberspace are like, if you care about where love and its power may lead you, if you appreciate innovative and imaginative filmmaking - yes, don't miss Thomas In Love, and visit its official Web site, for sure. (Film is in French with subtitles, site is in English with occasional French.)

Thomas In Love is a very interesting film from the first second to the last. It's not the least bit like any other movie I've seen, thus most likely, you'll either love it or hate it. It starts out on a computerized screen, and you begin waiting for the moment it'll jump onto "real life scenes". Now, that was one of the most enjoyable waits of my life, lasting longer than I thought. Thomas In Love is certainly watchable, and even more. Easily 3 stars out of 5, and maybe a 4th one.

But as I said, don't expect to see a Hollywood movie, or a European movie, or a Belgian movie. It's 100%, and not even 99.9%, different than any other movie ever made that I've seen. You might not like it, and as stated above, you could very well hate it. But you'll find it outstanding and interesting for sure, and you won't regret having spent an hour and a half with it EVEN IF you hate it. Watch it!

THOMAS IN LOVE (3+ outta 5 stars)

A severe agoraphobe (afraid of open spaces) spends his whole life shut up in his apartment, experiencing only what he can via his computer screen. Since this takes place in the near future, he can actually see and do quite a bit. (The only problem, same as nowadays, is getting a repair technician to actually make a housecall... but since Thomas *never* leaves his home anyway, this doesn't prove to be too much of a difficulty.) His therapist thinks Thomas could benefit by more human contact so he enrolls Thomas in a dating agency and a medical prostitution service. Thomas is intrigued by a woman he meets in each place... but will either of them be able to get him to leave his apartment and have a real relationship... or will they be stuck in those embarrassing, clunky cybersex suits forever? This very interesting movie takes place entirely from the point of view of Thomas. The audience can only see what Thomas sees on his computer screen. We can hear his voice but we never see his face. The movie is carried by the performances of the people he encounters in his daily routine... everyone is completely believable. In another ten years' time this film will probably seem like a documentary.

I got up early on Sunday to catch a matinee of Thomas in Love. I had a horrible headache (from all the drinking I did the night before) and i almost thought twice about going to see this french Sci-Fi story about an agoraphobic. But i got up, put on my clothes and head over to the Nuart, my second favorite place in L.A. The movie was astounding, told completely thought the computer and video/phone system that Thomas uses to keep in touch with the world. The movie has a very hopeful and frightening feeling to it, simultaneously, a walking contradiction, like Thomas himself. The film has a very sterile and detached details to it, which is the reason for my fear. Internet will only separate us more, one does not need to live the house, or socialize. With great special efx (that add to the story, not take over), and a simple, almost under written characters, the director manages to pull two love stories in two hours both of them different and haunting, like love itself. The acting was difficult just because is all talking heads, but still is fascinating.

thomas in love is an engaging story and with aesthetically pleasing cinematography and colorful sets

i wish the relationships between the characters could have been developed a bit more fully. perhaps casting was the issue because one 'cyber-girlfriend' was much more engaging than the other, which leaves you missing her towards the end of the film.

it might have held together better if it had focused on one major relationship. almost seems as if there was enough raw material to develop into two separate films rather than trying to smush both relationships into one.

but overall, a really enjoyable film!

warning: fast forward past first few minutes if you don't know your date too well-- gratuitous cartoon sex could have been handled with more subtlety. didn't add much except titillation to the storyline.

if you liked this film, check out Lynn Hershman Leeson's TechnoLust. Leeson adds a bit more humor but similar mise en scene & aesthetic.