Mister Lonely (2008)

Mister Lonely Poster

In Paris, a young American who works as a Michael Jackson lookalike meets Marilyn Monroe, who invites him to her commune in Scotland, where she lives with Charlie Chaplin and her daughter, Shirley Temple.

Film Introduction
"Mister Lonely" is a 2008 drama film co-written and directed by Consistency Korine, understood for his unique design of filmmaking. The movie is a blend of whimsical surrealism, melancholy, and unusual humor, brought to life by an unique cast of characters.

Plot Summary
The film weaves two disconnected stories. The first and main story focuses on a lonely young man (Diego Luna) living in Paris and impersonating Michael Jackson. Discovering a sense of belonging, he meets a Marilyn Monroe impersonator (Samantha Morton), falls in love with her, and follows her to a commune in the Scottish Highlands. This separated community is populated by other impersonators, consisting of the Queen of England, Charlie Chaplin, Sammy Davis Jr., and others. They aim to establish a show to entertain and make the world better.

The secondary story follows a group of missionary nuns in Panama, one of whom (Werner Herzog) finds she can astonishingly make it through falls from terrific heights. Encouraged by this "blessing", the nuns start to jump off airplanes without parachutes, aiming to assist individuals see God's presence.

The Characters
Diego Luna's character, as Michael Jackson, embodies all of the pop star's physical and singing nuances with accuracy and passion. Samantha Morton, as Marilyn Monroe, represents a deep sense of stress and anxiety underneath her resilient disposition, reflective of the real-life starlet's struggling personality. The other impersonators each bear their personal stories and emotions, exposing the pain behind their identities. On the other hand, the nuns represent a blind faith in magnificent intervention and wonders.

Style and Themes
"Mister Lonely" includes Korine's signature style of uncommon, non-linear storytelling, highlighting eccentric characters devoid of Hollywood glamour. The film mainly attends to styles of isolation, identity, and the pursuit of happiness. It comes to grips with the façade individuals put on to suit society while handling inner chaos and anguish. Simultaneously, the movie's secondary story is a spiritual mission of faith and wonders that uses a plain contrast to the primary story's source of fulfilment.

Among the movie's special elements is its pictorial structure and color palette. Cinematographer Marcel Zyskind's work brings a striking visual attract the film, immersing the audience in its strangely stunning world.

Meaning and Interpretation
"Mister Lonely" operates on a symbolic level, using the impersonator neighborhood to symbolize society's obsession with celebrity culture. It shows how people typically leave reality by holding on to popular figures, negating their identities. The flying nuns' story is similarly symbolic, representing unquestioning faith and persistence in the face of misfortune.

Conclusion
"Mister Lonely" is a distinct cinematic ode to all the lonesome souls looking for acceptance and happiness. It offers a surreal commentary on identity, disillusionment, faith, and the human yearning for love and belonging. Though the film might not interest everybody with its unconventional narrative style, it resonates deeply with those who can connect with its thematic foundations.

Top Cast

  • Diego Luna (small)
    Diego Luna
    Michael Jackson
  • Samantha Morton (small)
    Samantha Morton
    Marilyn Monroe
  • Denis Lavant (small)
    Denis Lavant
    Charlie Chaplin
  • James Fox (small)
    James Fox
    The Pope
  • Werner Herzog (small)
    Werner Herzog
    Father Umbrillo
  • Leos Carax (small)
    Leos Carax
    Renard
  • Richard Strange (small)
    Richard Strange
    Abraham Lincoln
  • Jason Pennycooke (small)
    Jason Pennycooke
    Sammy Davis, Jr.
  • Anita Pallenberg (small)
    Anita Pallenberg
    The Queen
  • Rachel Korine (small)
    Rachel Korine
    Little Red Riding Hood
  • Joseph Morgan (small)
    Joseph Morgan
    James Dean