FNC 2009 : METROPIA Review

Metropia disappoints. Even though there is a lot to admire in it, this animated feature film does not manage to escape from a predictable script in which sci-fi fans have seen a hundred times before. Is it still worth a watch? Absolutely!  The animation is absolutely fantastic and has to be seen on the big screen in order to be truly appreciated. Too bad the story does not live up to the visuals. 

The first five minutes of the film promises to the viewer they will witness something unique. In a seasonless futurist-Europe where all countries are linked together by a gigantic subway station lives paranoid Roger. Stuck in a dead-end job and living with a girlfriend who may or may not cheat on him, the poor man finds himself truly out of luck when he starts hearing a voice in his head asking him to buy specific products. When he meets a model for a shampoo ad who seems to know what is going on, he will embark on a quest for the truth that will unveil a dark conspiracy.

You can probably guess from here where everything will lead. This take on 1984  fails at trying hard to hide a thin narrative behind complex elements and a somewhat confusing narrative. When the story takes the « let's save the world » path, the movie becomes truly uninvolving because of its lack of originality. 

What is left is the image and this where the true magic of Metropia lies. Never has computer animation looked so good. It is impossible not to be amazed by the skin tones that look terrificly real or the dark shades of grey that float over familiar cities destroyed by an apocalyptic disaster where tiny characters try to survive. Too bad such talent was not used to a better end or served a truly original story. 

One final note: Vincent Gallo gives a fantastic performance in the lead role. His voice acting is absolutely brilliant and brings a lot of depth to the synthetic Roger. This film proves that he is one of the best American actors working today and can be amazing in just about anything.