The recently released movie by Charlie Kaufman just like his other loved films like “The Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless mind,” is another thought provoking piece of art
“I’m thinking of ending things” is an adaptation of the novel by the same name. It has been directed by Charlie Kaufman, the man credited for the Oscar winning The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind and Being John Malkovich. In order to understand the magic of his latest work it is important to understand his philosophy that he deals with in all of his films.
Kaufman’s films are always thought provoking and “reflective” in nature. He believes “Art should offer an opportunity to recognize our common humanity and vulnerability.” All human beings suffer the same problems and insecurities and that we believe what others believe about us. One thinks of themselves as a good singer only because others think that way, or that one’s beauty is a concept that is instilled by the others perspectives. Constantly being preoccupied with these ideas is difficult to deal with, so sharing these problems makes it easier.
”I’m thinking of ending things” is a film that is made with the exact same purpose and explores this ideology. It is about a young woman who travels with her boyfriend to his parent’s farm. On their way they exchange poetry and awkward conversations that end up making you feel hollow.
The film has some of the best performances by the likes of Toni Colette, who plays the mother of the boyfriend. The film is not a straight forward experience but explores themes of the transience and reality of life. The idea of time and age is constantly played around with. It talks about the fact that life isn’t like a romantic comedy and explores life from a non-heroic protagonist’s point of view.
It explores the question of how does it feel to be unloved or unlovable? The chilling realisation of what if you are not what you actually think you are. What if life does not end happily ever after with your soul-mate but rather with you turning old in your crappy job waiting for things to end? There is an uncomforting sense throughout the film that comes from exploring such avenues.
What makes the movie a must-watch is Charlie Kaufman’s philosophy in the film could help us all deal with our own demons. It has certain relevance with the latest socio-economic state of the world but realising that all of us are going through the same issues, could prove to be helpful.
