Anon
May 10, 2018 by admin_name
Anon
released 2018
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“Anon” is a German, possibly American sci-fi, crime thriller set in a strange, seemingly familiar future. It was written and directed by the New Zealand born screenwriter Andrew Niccol. It stars a talented group which includes Clive Owen, Afiya Bennett, Morgan Allen, Jeffrey Men, James Tam, Amanda Seyfried, Colm Feore, Sonya Walger, Joe Pingue, Mark O´Brien, Iddo Goldberg, Ethan Tavares, Jonathan Potts, Rachel Roberts, Toyin Ishola, Sebastian Pigott, David Storch, Billy Parrott, Amadou Kebe, Stephanie Christian, Natalie Chaves, Sierra Wooldridge, Sherry Hsu, Jean-Michel Le Gal, Conrad Coates, Mayko Nguyen, Cici Ali, Devon Owen, Zion Lee, Rufus Crawford and many others.
“Anon” is set in a clean, much-too-organized future where people have no anonymity and there is little crime. It´s important to pay particular attention to this world even though it is so easy to ignore because everything runs so well, everything is so clean and organized and the people seem relatively healthy (at least on the outside). It´s a world with little crime and no privacy where people can access anything and everything you did throughout your life. So picture a married couple checking on each other to see if either one of them had an affair or a boss watching your past with the most private details for a job interview. The story follows Sal Friedland / Sal Grayson, played by Clive Owen, as he investigates a series of murders by someone with no identity who goes only by the name of Anon. It´s also interesting to see how they investigate crimes in this future world. Gone are the days of DNA evidence and problem solving in law enforcement because the ether (as they call the vast internet) reveals everything. At least up until these murders.
Now the word -anon- in modern English means `soon´ and it means `immediately´in old English but it´s also an abbreviation for anonymous. Anonymity or the lack thereof is the center of this story. It´s a cautionary tale about losing something so valuable which we´ve taken for granted for so long like clean water, air and basic freedoms. Everything, every piece of information, record or idea can be pulled from the ether instantly. Waiting has become a thing of the past. We need to start by recognizing that the invasion of privacy and lack of privacy in this story is creepy and frightening. This is definitely a cautionary tale, albeit subtle, of a future we really don´t want to live in. Forget the fact that everyone looks alike and dresses alike. There are no families or people enjoying recreational activities, everyone looks healthy but I wonder if it is not a clear sign of some kind intolerance for the unhealthy or the less fortunate in society. Another interesting fact about the world in Anon is that we see no technology because everyone is connected to the ether through brain implants. So the character´s apartments are neat but stale and lack any feeling of being lived in. This seemingly perfect world is dull and lacks a certain enthusiasm that the healthier less perfect societies have. I´d much rather live in New York City with all its dirty streets and noisy subways than this world.
What the architects of these societies never realize is that a city or society is defined by its people and the connection they have with each other and not its immaculate streets, fancy things or snazzy tools. A successful and healthy society is one where people are treated more or less fairly and differences and imperfections are tolerated if not celebrated. The world of “Anon” is a future I hope we are smart enough to avoid.
In spite of the fact the creators of this film had trouble ending it I liked this film for its relevant message and attention to word building. I feel they had a great idea and brought that idea to life in such an effective and subtle way but like so many good stories they had trouble figuring out its ending. No matter, not everyone can be a Charles Dickens, because it´s still a great film worth the watch. So check it out and enjoy.
Written by John
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