Experimental art films, how does one approach reviewing them in an objective manner that caters both the �art crowd� and the regular viewing public? The answer to that question is that you probably can�t, but nevertheless I will try to do so in my review of the new Daft Punk feature film �Electroma�.
Electroma follows the story of two unnamed robots, who for the sake of comfort I shall call Gold and Silver (the color of each ones helmet), who take their hand at trying to take on a human form. A process which not only their electronic society of robots rejects, but also their mechanical bodies as well. Directors Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter make a boldly stated attempt to show us how programmed we are as a society and our fear of change. The use of skillful photography is evident throughout the picture, with beautiful long shots of different types of landscapes and the carefully selected songs on the films soundtrack help us guide through the emotions of our faceless heroes. So, in its own way, Electroma does get its point across successfully. But I do wonder, hasn�t this point been made many times before? Or more importantly hasn�t it been made before in more concise, simple and effective ways.
Additionally, although it�s running time only stands at 70 minutes, Electroma is a very lllllllllllllooooooong film to watch, and even with all its visual metaphors, it still could have been made in to a 30 minute presentation. As a result, at many points the film comes across as highly self indulgent (not unlike Daft Punks previous motion picture, the animated Interstella 5555), as if to say �look and marvel at how amazingly talented we are!� Therefore, I would mainly recommend this film to Daft Punk fans and people interested in the increasing integration of technology with human life, all others, read a Phillip K Dick short story or watch Daft Punks last 2 or 3 videos and save yourselves the time and effort.
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