Ever since I read the review of the late Roger Ebert about “Synecdoche, New York“, I have wanted to watch it desperately, but couldn’t find it at the time. Now that I have seen it, I know that I cant write a review of this movie without watching it, at least, 3 more times. This is a profound, multi-layered story with lots of attention to detail. So I’m pretty sure I’m missing out a good portion of the film on my first viewing.

 I’m going to break down this review in three parts. One review for each viewing. And on the third and last review I will draw my conclusions on the film and hope to make justice to it.

 

So let’s get to the surface. Caden Cotard, our hero, is an ailing theater director who, after getting alienated from his family and ultimately left alone, decides to create a life size play of “brutal honesty and realism“. As time passes by, he gets more and more obsessed with his Magnum Opus, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

 

This movie is a study on loneliness, fear, death and the journey to find our true self“. And it’s done in such a way that I can only feel amazed, inspired and thankful for having the privilege to see this masterwork.

 

That’s pretty much all I can say for now. In my next review I’ll go in-depth on this great piece of cinema, so please subscribe and see you next time!