Fonotune: An Electric Fairytale

I recently had the opportunity to view Fonotune at the Cinetopia Film Festival in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the film's American premiere. Before it began, a message from the director played, who suggested for us to "let the movie wash over you". Though I didn't initially understand what this meant, the director's intent became clear as the showing began. With minimal dialogue or obvious plot, the movie was propelled by interesting characters and environments, a stellar soundtrack, and cinematography that was often completely breathtaking. It was like watching a painting, an experience truly unlike any other film I have ever watched. The world building was monumental, and even more impressive due to how minimalistically everything was shown. The world was left vague, but in a way that piqued my interest. I have been thinking about the film's environment since I left the theater last night. Also, the soundtrack was one of the best that I have heard. Everything just looked and sounded really cool. I have not had an experience like Fonotune before in theaters, and I would definitely recommend that anyone who is able to should check it out.

HAIKU REVIEW

Beautiful Landscapes; Minimalism Defined; Slow, Artistic Pace.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

How do I even review a movie like this?

There is a very loose narrative to follow, sure, but it exists in a world entirely its own. The basic premise is that a group of music aficionados (including a "low-fi cowboy," a mute drifter and, presumably, a hooker) have their headphones tuned to an underground, avant-garde radio station that advertises the final performance of a legendary rock star, to take place somewhere in the desert. Also, the world may be ending. But even that suggests a bit more structure than is actually on display.

This is a movie where the journey far outweighs the destination, and perhaps that is why this didn't rank higher with me. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, with each shot feeling like a masterclass in framing the minimal while maximizing the impact of each. The soundtrack is engaging, but there are also some major letdowns in the department of expectations, as far as the music is concerned. Maybe I should have tempered those expectations, but when all I had to go on was a very trippy trailer and the published synopsis, I thought I was getting...more.

The pace is very slow. This has all the feel of an art student project with a bigger budget, and the payoffs for your patience come in the form of more gorgeous landscape shots with distinct color palettes and enough intrigue to keep you interested.

I can't really define the film by "acts," but maybe if the final few scenes played out along the lines that I expected, it would rank higher. I can't say I truly enjoyed this very much on certain levels, but in terms of purely striking visuals, it was a knockout. There isn't much detail to go into here, especially knowing what a deep niche this kind of film falls into. But if the trailer interests you and it opens in your area or plays at a local festival, check it out. At under 80 minutes, even at its somewhat grating pace, it is at the very least worth a watch. And for some, it will likely become a cult classic.

GRADE: B-

Fonotune: An Alectric Fairytale is Written and Directed By FINT

Described as a "fairytale", Fonotune is set in an unknown place and time near the end of the world. Appropriately enough, you are left with few information on the characters and the universe they belong to. With barely any dialogues, all we learn from the film is that they are some kind of travelers, inviting the viewer to join them on their journey to meet a rock musician, the charismatic Blitz.

For my part, I was willing to go on this weird trip with them. This is mostly due to the fact that each character - Mono, Analog, Stereo and Bubblegum - has his/her own cool and unique visual style.

Loosely connected at first, these guys share a passion for music. It is their driving force throughout the film, and music is what pulls the viewer right into the movie. It seems music is a means to compensate the lack of spoken words, and its choice and composition is to the point. I also think that the songs felt pretty refreshing compared to usual film soundtracks.

Fonotune is not a film easy to watch, though. Fast-moving and loud on the one side, bleak on the other, it might not be a film for a broad audience. There is no straight storyline and the settings are reduced to a minimum. However, this is exactly what makes the film so very atmospheric and interesting to watch. It is nothing you get to see very often, and thus it is a rare and strange work in the most positive way.

We were lucky enough to watch a preview screening of Fonotune - An Electric Fairytale the debut feature film from German director #FINT, and we can't recommend it enough! 📽🎨💥

'Fonotune' is an ethereal cyberpunk dreamscape, a rock n roll half remembered hangover. Art-house cinema meets 3-day-amphetamine-haze-comedown. The film features a slew of amazing actors and special appearances from legendary Japanese rockers Guitar Wolf and Electric Eel Shock.

See it if you get the chance!

It's ok but not the best. If you like people walking slowly for 70+ mins you'll love it.