Mister Lonely 2008
Directed by
Harmony Korine
Made by
Plot Summary
A young man in Paris struggles to make ends meet as a Michael Jackson impersonator, performing in streets, public parks, tourist attractions, and trade shows. This immigrant, who grapples with not fully mastering the French language, often feels isolated and disconnected from those around him. During a performance at a nursing home, he encounters a stunning Marilyn Monroe impersonator, whose ethereal beauty captivates him. This chance meeting leads him to follow her to a commune nestled in the Scottish Highlands, where she lives with her husband, Charlie Chaplin, and their daughter, Shirley Temple.
At this commune, a gathering of impersonators living as their characters includes figures like the Pope, Elizabeth II, Madonna, and James Dean, who all engage with one another while remaining in character. Initially, life in this extraordinary community feels serene, but turmoil arises when their sheep become ill, leading to the heartbreak of having to cull them. Compounding the stress, there are undercurrents suggesting that Marilyn’s husband, Charlie Chaplin, may be abusive toward her. In hopes of attracting attention from the outside world, the group begins constructing a stage and performs for a small audience, only to be disheartened by the meager turnout. The atmosphere shifts tragically when they find the Marilyn Monroe impersonator has taken her own life in the woods.
Disillusioned, the Michael Jackson impersonator departs the commune and retreats to his former apartment in Paris. In a touching moment of solitude, he engages in a peculiar dialogue with a row of eggs adorned with drawn-on faces of the deceased impersonator, whispering to Marilyn Monroe in the hopes of finding the strength to chart his own path. Later, we see him in Paris, stripped of his makeup and character, walking through the streets where a public celebration is taking place.
Additionally, the film weaves in a subplot involving a convent in what appears to be a developing country. One of the nuns experiences a miraculous survival after falling from a plane during a mission to deliver food to local villages, realizing that true-hearted individuals are safeguarded by God. This revelation inspires the nuns to leap from planes in a demonstration of faith. Regrettably, the film concludes with a haunting scene where the lifeless bodies of the nuns, along with an airplane wreckage, are discovered washed ashore, casting a shadow over their well-intentioned acts of faith.
Timeline
Struggling as an Impersonator
In Paris, a young man finds himself struggling to make ends meet as a Michael Jackson impersonator. He performs in various public spaces and trade shows, grappling with the challenges of being an immigrant and the language barrier that isolates him from others.
A Chance Encounter
While performing at a nursing home, the young man encounters a stunning Marilyn Monroe impersonator whose captivating beauty leaves a lasting impression on him. This meeting ignites a desire within him to learn more about her and the life she leads.
Journey to the Scottish Highlands
Driven by his fascination, the young man follows the Marilyn Monroe impersonator to a commune nestled in the serene Scottish Highlands. Here, he discovers a unique community of impersonators embodying their characters, including notable figures like Pope and Madonna.
Life in the Commune
The commune initially presents a peaceful existence filled with camaraderie among the impersonators. However, beneath the surface, the interactions reveal hidden tensions, particularly with Marilyn's husband, Charlie Chaplin, suggesting possible abuse.
Tragedy Strikes with the Sheep
A crisis unfolds when illness sweeps through the commune's sheep population, leading to the heart-wrenching decision to cull them. This event shatters the harmony of their commune life, introducing stress and despair among the residents.
Performing for Attention
In a desperate attempt to attract outside attention, the group begins constructing a stage for performances. Their efforts lead to a show that, unfortunately, sees a disappointing turnout, exacerbating the sense of isolation they feel.
A Heartbreaking Loss
The atmosphere turns tragic when it is discovered that the Marilyn Monroe impersonator has taken her own life in the woods surrounding the commune. This devastating event leaves an indelible mark on the community and stirs deep emotional turmoil.
Leaving the Commune
Stricken by grief and disillusionment, the Michael Jackson impersonator decides to leave the commune. He retreats to his former apartment in Paris, filled with the weight of recent events hanging over him.
A Solitary Reflection
In a poignant moment of solitude, the impersonator engages in an unusual dialogue with a row of eggs, each adorned with drawn-on faces of the deceased Marilyn Monroe. This act symbolizes his longing for connection and solace as he seeks the strength to move forward.
Public Celebration in Paris
As he walks through the streets of Paris, the young man is surrounded by a public celebration. Stripped of his makeup and identity, he experiences a bittersweet moment of belonging amidst the festivities.
The Convent Subplot
Interwoven in the narrative is a subplot involving a convent in a developing country. One nun survives a miraculous fall from a plane while on a mission, leading her and fellow nuns to take leaps of faith in the name of their beliefs.
Faith Leads to Tragedy
The nuns' misguided jumps from planes, rooted in their faith, take a tragic turn. The film concludes with the haunting image of their lifeless bodies discovered washed ashore, illuminating the perils of blind faith.
Characters
Michael Jackson impersonator
A young man struggling to carve out an existence as a street performer in Paris. He embodies the spirit of Michael Jackson while wrestling with feelings of inadequacy, displacement, and a search for identity amid the vibrant but isolating city environment.
Marilyn Monroe impersonator
A captivating figure who enchants the Michael Jackson impersonator, leading him to a commune filled with character impersonators. Her ethereal beauty hides a deeper vulnerability, ultimately culminating in a tragic arc that profoundly impacts those around her.
Charlie Chaplin
The husband of the Marilyn Monroe impersonator, whose character looms with potential darkness. His relationship with Marilyn hints at underlying abuse, adding tension and complications within the community of impersonators.
Setting
Time period
The movie appears to take place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern issues such as immigrant struggles, isolation, and the pursuit of personal identity. The timeline shifts between the vivid life in Paris and the whimsical yet haunting nature of the Scottish commune, offering a contrast between urban challenges and rural retreat.
Location
Paris, Scottish Highlands
Paris serves as the initial backdrop for the Michael Jackson impersonator's struggles, known for its iconic landmarks and bustling life, juxtaposed with the protagonist's feelings of isolation. The Scottish Highlands represent a tranquil yet surreal escape, where a community of impersonators lives in a commune, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and an air of creativity.
Themes
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Identity
The theme of identity is central to the film, illustrated through the lives of impersonators and their struggles to find authenticity. The protagonist, while embodying Michael Jackson, grapples with his own sense of self and belonging, ultimately leading to profound moments of reflection and self-discovery.
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Isolation
Isolation permeates the film, highlighting the disconnection felt by the characters, particularly the Michael Jackson impersonator. Despite being surrounded by a community of impersonators, the emotional distance and personal turmoil reveal how loneliness can persist even in close proximity to others.
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Faith
The narrative threads in a subplot about faith, exemplified through the nuns who demonstrate miraculous acts of trust. Their tragic fate serves as a poignant commentary on the complexities of belief and the often heartbreaking consequences of faith-driven actions.
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