Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)

[hengcs]

Director: Miranda July
Cast: Miranda July, John Hawkes

The official website is here
http://www.meandyoumovie.com/

At the Cannes Film Festival 2005, the movie garnered the Caméra d'Or
see
http://www.festival-cannes.fr/palmar...&categorie=cor

At the Sundance Film Festival 2005, it also garnered the Special Jury Prize for Originality of Vision
see
http://festival.sundance.org/2005/docs/05Awards.pdf


What I like ...
-- A very philosophical movie about people who seek to connect with others in the oddest (or is it the most "common?!") way. Hence, the movie is peppered with tons of rather cryptic or philosophical lines, about life, love, relationship, etc. Frankly, I would think a second view is often necessary to remember these lines ... Hmmm ... maybe someone can do a compilation ... ha ha ha
;)
-- The movie also challenges societal stereotypes, preconceived perception, anxiety, etc. (simply by evoking similar thoughts in the audience). In a way, it has a few daring depiction of disturbing scenes. And yet, it seems to hint that it may not be as bad as what you think ...
-- On a lighter note, it also pokes fun (and yet, celebrates) contemporary art! hee hee


What I thought could be better ...
-- Although the movie may seem to suggest that these people/events/relationships are all around us, and I do believe that they are indeed very common (or are they not?!), I somehow sense that many audience would walk away from the movie thinking: these characters are indeed weird. Instead of convincing the audience that these situations are pretty prevalent, it comes across as disturbingly distributed. Some may even lament that it is pretty manipulative/contrived by bringing together only odd characters to tell a story.
-- Despite the common theme of "human connection and relation", the movie still comes across as a composition of several slightly disjointed short stories as opposed to a unified story.


Conclusion:
Overall, I actually recommend watching this movie!
;)
In particular, I like the movie for its thought provoking messages, although I feel that it could be better
-- by being less manipulative/contrived, or
-- by making the various roles/scenes appear more "normal" (and yet, on a deeper thought, quite abnormal).