Anima

A very quick review of a little thing you may have missed on Netflix. Two of my very favourite creative auteurs coming together to make an interesting morsel, combining music, dance and filmic tricks, called Anima.

It is the fourth collaboration between the P. T. Anderson and Thom Yorke, the last being the excellently moody Daydreaming music video from 2016. That one was 6 minutes. This one stretches to 15 and proves the pair love working with one another on ambitious projects.

The solo music of Thom Yorke has not yet hit the same heights as Radiohead, but there is always something special going on, even when they are too odd to enjoy as pleasurable listening. In Anima three tunes combine is segue to create a dreamy landscape of a man on a wild journey through his own imagination.

Not the News, Traffic and Dawn Chorus are the names of the musical pieces, flowing into one another effortlessly, with the background of Prague showing off its many architectural treats. It begins on a tram, with Thom and the dancers striking poses in the rhythm of the music that demonstrate various moods and emotions, from boredom to curiosity and melancholy; familiar Yorke territory.

It becomes more mesmeric as it goes on, through the streets and into surreal landscapes that defy physics and rationality. There are a few “wow” moments in there, and it certainly made me smile wistfully. I loved the sounds too, enough to give it several listens in a row.

P.T. Anderson is, of course, a master of visual storytelling, and this is no exception. He captures the essence of the music and frames the movement with consummate artistry. Perhaps only Michel Gondry has more striking music videos on his CV now… For sure it is yet another success. Although you do wonder how many people will actually see it? Do either of them care?

There is a point when you expect something even more spectacular to happen. But, much like Daydreaming, it is more of a slow burning feel that lures and lulls over time. It grows in your imagination after the event, and if you liked it once there is every chance you will go back to it many times. I approve of music video shorts that stretch beyond the usual 3-5 minutes of a normal attention span. So, all I can say is… follw the instruction to PLAY LOUD, and can we have more please!