Mr. K

I first saw the trailer and was really looking forward to the film. The beginning was okay, the first few minutes. I thought it would be a great film. The setting, costumes, and camera work are all very good. But as time goes on, the film becomes increasingly silly and nonsensical. I was very disappointed after about an hour, but I kept watching. After about 80 minutes, I found the film so incredibly silly that I had to turn it off. Yes, I can only rate the 80 minutes or so, and I give it 5 out of 10. It's a shame; I had completely different expectations.

The opening transition and narration are clever, touching, and deftly done. Bravo. I'd like to say it sets the audience up for the rest of the viewing experience. But sadly the film does never again do anything like it.

The movie looks great and all the elements are there for a remarkable film experience, or at least a memorable one. But instead we get weak uninteresting quirky characters and an endless sequence of nonsensical scenes. At first I was hopeful and intrigued because, surely, there was going to be a pay off. The characters -- all except Crispin Glover's -- appeared to be in on the 'joke' and such elaborate costumes, sets, and staging must be going somewhere. Right? Nope.

More than once I was struck by the impression that I was watching a Tech Demo. I wasn't there for the story or the characters but rather to see this neat thing that the maker did. But not actually a film.

To be honest I stopped watching at some point before the end. I beyond caring about what was going on on the screen at that point that I don't think even the greatest movie ending ever filmed could have re-ignited my interest. But to be clear I have no idea how it ends. Or if it even does.

If it was an exercise in surreal wackiness that could at least be entertaining. But as another reviewer points out it never crosses over into that territory.

Mr. Glover is woefully underused. No doubt the makers were hoping to bring some of his 'character' to the role, but the writing never gives him a chance. They could probably have cast anyone that can muster a lost, bemused expression and the film would not have suffered.

The sets are great. The hotel feels like a place that's a few steps from reality right from the start. But not once was I convinced that any of the characters were an organic part of it. They were just props with the sole purpose of contributing to the atmosphere. This does not a film make.

This movie is what happens when everyone behind the camera get full freedom to make the best movie they can make.

Everything is wonderfully made, from small details in the background, light and sound and special effect department.

In the end, you have a mix of Terry Gilliam/Lovecraft and Kafka. The people asking for financial support to this movie deserve a payraise - they seem to have called and knocked on every door and institution in Europe, and i am glad they did.

I am happy they included the first 30 seconds of the movie, and the last 30 seconds as it confirmed my theory on what it allaccomplish were about. I might be wrong, but don´t think i am. There are other movies on the same theme - but i think this is the best one i have seen so far.

This movie makes me think of the value of work, partner and friendship i have in life, something few movies can brag about.

Naturally, Crispin Glover is perfect in this role. Someone that can play a really weak character, like he did in Back to the future, and also the bad guy like he did in American Gods - fits my description of a really good actor.

If someone ever doubt movies as an expression of meaningful art - show them this movie.

The quality of all aspects of the production is pretty much the best you can get-acting, set design, cinematography, music, and direction are all top-notch. Every scene feels intentional, with a clear artistic vision behind it. The performances are powerful and believable, drawing you into the world with ease. However, this isn't the kind of movie you can throw on in the background or watch passively. The plot is dense and layered, focusing on a main character who is desperately trying to uncover the truth about his situation. It's emotionally and mentally engaging, and it asks the audience to reflect on their own reality and the systems we live in. It's a brilliant film, but not a mindless watch-it requires thought, attention, and a willingness to dive deep.

Having a hard time to make a comment here but the film sort of requires a response. Is it worth watching and if so will you actually not be forced to fast forward it every so often because it is both fascinating and totally irritating all at once. If I have to make a recommendation then it is to watch this on a computer so you can ado the fast forward because if you are trapped in a cinema it will really piss you off. OK. The overall quality of film making is actually quite good. The set is a hit for sure and the premise of the cage hotel is also OK. Where the film fails is in the tempo and in the lack of editing to make it flow better but that was most likely a challenge that the director was battling with himself. The acting and the choreography of the people movements in various parts of the film is very good. There a good number of moments when the viewer is seriously challenged as to what the hell is going on and what or how one should be interpreting the film which makes for a fairly exhausting experience which I actually liked as it is not often that a film these days reaches the level of cerebral impact. Does the film have a resolution and does it make sense and does it serve the rest of the film well? These questions are for you to answer. I do not wish to spoil anything that you may experience or feel.