Watch Mister Lonely

Mister Lonely is a surreal and thought-provoking movie from 2007 directed by Harmony Korine. The film explores the themes of identity, loneliness, and escapism through a series of surreal and dreamlike situations. The leading character of the movie is a Michael Jackson impersonator, played by Diego Luna, who is struggling to make a living performing in Paris streets. After a chance encounter with a woman named Marilyn Monroe, played by Samantha Morton, he is invited to a community of look-alikes in a remote Scottish commune.

The commune is a melting pot of celebrity impersonators, from Charlie Chaplin to the Queen of England, all living together in an environment that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. The group's leader is a man named Father Umbrillo, played by Denis Lavant, who believes he is Jesus Christ and organizes various performances and events, including a skydiving act.

The movie explores the various relationships within the commune, including the budding romance between Michael Jackson and Marilyn Monroe, as well as the struggles each individual faces in reconciling their own identities with their impersonations. The film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of these characters' lives, including depression, mental illness, and substance abuse.

At its core, Mister Lonely is a meditation on the nature of identity and the lengths we go to escape our own reality. The impersonators in the commune are all searching for something they haven't found in their real lives, whether it's the validation of adoring fans or the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a community.

One of the most striking aspects of the movie is its visual style, which is a blend of naturalistic cinematography and surreal imagery. There are several scenes that are both beautiful and unsettling, including a sequence in which a group of nuns fly through the sky with umbrellas, and another in which Michael Jackson performs a dance solo on a windswept hilltop.

The soundtrack is also a standout element of the movie, featuring a mix of original music and classic pop songs like Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and Neil Diamond's "Beautiful Noise." These songs provide a backdrop to the film's most emotional moments and help to underscore the feelings of longing and nostalgia that permeate the story.

Overall, Mister Lonely is a unique and memorable film that provides a window into a world that most of us will never experience. It's not a movie for everyone, but for those willing to take the journey, it offers a rich and rewarding experience that is sure to linger in the mind long after the credits roll.