Monachopsis by Kim Strandli

Inspired by John Koenig’s The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, this experimental short film narrates a life passively stuck in a depressive loop, trying to stay afloat. Being part of a bigger puzzle, with no matching pieces around, and every day feels like yesterday, again and again. Through mood, space and sound, we follow this life’s path to break from the hopeless pattern  - Film Synopsis

What is the meaning of Monachopsis? The subtle but persistent feeling of being out of place, as maladapted to your surroundings as a seal on a beach—lumbering, clumsy, easily distracted, huddled in the company of other misfits, unable to recognize the ambient roar of your intended habitat, in which you'd be fluidly, brilliantly, effortlessly at home.

Α world of fleeting fame, where we compulsively consuming videos like innocent cigars that do not cause cancer, but blindness and mental foolishness. In a world where one day of life is like the flame of a wooden match. In a world where everything is rushing and everything is for yesterday, Monachopsis arrives as an oasis of introspection. Time very well invested even if seems that nothing is happening in the film. I know it's impossible, but Monachopsis give us that feeling of no thoughts rushing the mind. I particularly enjoy those animated films against the unnecessary action or those with an hysterical narrative just for free.

Τhe proposition of Monachopsis is simple: just be quiet and observe, find the emotions -into the film and our own- hidden in the landscapes and the slow moments. Even if the synopsis of this film say is a loop of a depressive moment, since the first frame I felt life in all their ways. Life is not only about perfect and happy life. Life also is about to recognize the broken time, the crash of the day by day; feelings and emotions in deconstruction. Monachopsis works as emotional filter. The sense is not to live broken and carrying the pain everywhere.

Someone said that sadness and happiness came from the same font. All that makes us sad one day will make us laugh, and all that makes us laugh one day will make us cry. So, when we'll understand and accept life in all their ways and it not breaks us, we will be able to see the details and tones in the big picture that is life. Monachopsis shows some of those details and tones, thanks to the great visual construction and the delicate lighting of each scene. I want to believe that the creator of this film is more on the side of the hope, moving on to  new beginnings.

The sensation of chaos and balance encapsulated in a drop, flying freely in the space, that's is my meaning of Monachopsis by Kim Strandli.  

CREDITS:

Director: Kim Strandli
Music & Sound Design: Rasmus Meyer
Sound Design: Freja Printz Ringbæk

reviewed by: Mr. Kropka