It's almost hard for me to write about Meme because it's so unlike virtually every other film I've watched. Particularly fresh: the use of the mystery around the origin of the VHS tape as a means for Jennifer to recover her own identity while navigating issues in her relationship.
The portrayal of the primary relationship in the film was almost *too* realistic. It was hard to watch at times and will ring true for anyone who's been in a long-term relationship.
Finally, the performances are great -- nuanced and real. Fantastic cast and direction.
Plot summary
Jennifer, an independent designer disappointed in her stalled relationship and career, discovers a surreal mashup videotape, labeled "Meme," among a friend's VHS collection. She goes in search of Meme's creator, tracking down people who appear on the tape to gain greater insight into what it is and why it exists. As she pursues the creator of the tape she takes greater control of other aspects of her life including her relationship, difficult clients, and a drinking problem that increasingly interferes with her life.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Unlike anything else I've seen
Quirky, surrealistic still-life
The central mystery in this piece is an exercise in slight-of-hand absurdism, humming with the tangy echoes of the edge of psychosis. This underlying body has a seductive weight and depth, yet only ever exists in images projected onto a screen, an interpretation of reality read magnetically from a two dimensional surface, a representation of a representation. Meme intelligently orbits this layered video construct, a swirling maelstrom of versions of a possible past, present or future, ripe with existential crisis, a piece where any attempt to decode meaning will further shred one's own bonds with reality. Through re-interpreting the non-narrative babble of the art piece, turning the tormentor into the muse, our protagonist is able to define her own foundations of self and reality, and move on from troubles past.
A little lumpy, but still intriguing. A bit of refinement and this could be a very compelling film. Keen to see the creator's next project.
Original, inventive and thoughtful
Compelling movie from the opening credits onward. Many parts reminded me of Waking Life, but as seen through the Writer/Director's unique lens. Several strong performances as well. Well-crafted, original indie!