MOVIE: Anon makes a name for itself

Paul O’Rourke  

IT was the late American comedian and actor Rodney Dangerfield who coined the phrase “I don’t get no respect” to describe his under appreciation in Hollywood, an expression that could perhaps apply to a certain type of film today.

With much debate about the value or otherwise of Netflix original features and whether or not they should be eligible for Oscar nomination (Steven Spielberg believing they shouldn’t) one has to ask the question: what qualifies as a movie? 

A question that also applies to other ‘On Demand’ providers like Sky, who this week simultaneously release ‘Anon’ in theatres and on Sky Cinema.

‘Anon’ is set sometime in the near future           where everything an individual sees and experiences is recorded as a personal data file for later recall, sharing or examination. 

As a result of this new innovation, people like police detective Sal Frieland (played by Clive Owen) have a much easier time solving murders by simply accessing and viewing the victim’s last moments. 

That is until Sal stumbles across a woman with no memories of her own (Amanda Seyfried) and a series of murders where the final recorded recollections have been altered. 

The movie is written and directed by the hugely experienced Andrew Nicol who penned ‘The Truman Show’, and the New Zealander is no doubt fond of high concept ideas and issues around personal freedom. He’s also not afraid to tackle big questions and here he asks if it’s possible to stay anonymous in a world where everyone knows your business, a problem many people struggle with today, never mind the near future.

Both Owen and Seyfried turn in convincing performances in an unhurried and thoughtful thriller that will ask you to contemplate more than marvel at impressive CGI or loud explosions. 

There’s a definite minimalist approach to the location and design which helps to set the mood for the impersonal world the characters inhabit, but the story is full of on screen extras (including incredible descriptive visuals) which is really quite innovative. 

We say ‘Anon’ is worthy of your time and award it a review score of 3.5 respectful stars.