Anomalisa

Anomalisa is a 2015 American stop-motion comedy-drama film about a man, crippled by the mundanity of his life, who experiences something out of the ordinary.
 * Directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson. Written by Kaufman based on his 2005 play of the same name.

Welcome to the Kaufman surreal-neorealism tale in a dull world of sameness.

Michael Stone

 * Sometimes there's no lesson. That's a lesson in itself.


 * What is to be human? What is it to ache? What is it to be.. alive? Each person you speak to has had a day. Some of the days have been good, some bad. Each person you speak to has had a childhood. Each has a body. Each body has aches. Look for what is special about each individual. Focus on that. Remember there is someone out there for everyone. Our time is limited, we forget that. Death comes, that’s it. Soon it’s as if we never existed. So, remember to smile.


 * Always remember the customer is an individual. Just like you. Each person you speak to has had a day. Some of the days have been good, some bad, but they've all had one. Each person you speak to has had a childhood. Each has a body. Each body has aches. What is it to be human? What is it to ache? What is it to be alive? [scoffs.] I don't know. What is it to ache? I don't know. What is it to be alive? I don't know... Uh, yes. "How do I talk to a customer?" How do I talk to a customer? These are the important questions for a customer service representative. What do I say? Do I smile while I'm on the phone? Well, they can tell, if you're smiling, even if they can't see you. Did you know that? Try it as an experiment on the phone with a friend. Try it. Go ahead. Watch. [turns around.] I'm lost. [chuckles and turns back around.] See I was smiling when I said that? I've lost my love. She's an unmoored ship and she's drifting off to sea. I have no one to talk to. I have no one to talk to. I have no one to talk to. I'm sorry. I don't mean to burden you with that, I just don't know what else to do because I have no one to talk to... Be friendly to the customer. Think of the customer as a friend... [sighs.]


 * I think there's something very very wrong with me...

Dialogue

 * Michael Stone: I think you're extraordinary.
 * Lisa Hesselman: Why?
 * Michael Stone: I don't know yet. It's just obvious to me that you are.


 * Everyone else: [Passenger sitting next to Michael] Sorry, I-I grabbed your hand.
 * Michael Stone: It's okay.
 * Everyone else: [Passenger sitting next to Michael] It's a reflex. I'm usually sitting next to my wife.
 * [pause]
 * Everyone else: But I don't like to fly.
 * Michael Stone: I said it's okay.
 * [pause]
 * Michael Stone: You can let go now though.


 * Michael Stone: Who are you Donna? Who are you, really?
 * Everyone else: [Donna] Oh for fuck's sake!
 * [collects herself, turning to Henry]
 * Everyone else: Sorry honey. Mommy said a bad word.
 * [looks back at Michael]
 * Everyone else: Oh for fuck's sake Michael. I don't know who I am. I mean, who are you? Who is anyone? Who could answer that question?


 * Everyone else: [Lawrence Gill] I understand that you had a guest in your room last night.
 * Michael Stone: Is that a crime?
 * Everyone else: [Lawrence Gill] No, not at all. Certainly hoteliers are in the business of being discreet about our guests' philandering.
 * Michael Stone: Philandering?
 * Everyone else: [Lawrence Gill] No, it isn't that. M-My choice of words - - It's not about that at all. It's...
 * Michael Stone: How do you even know that, anyway?
 * Everyone else: [Lawrence Gill] Well, I... Mr. Stone, may I be candid with you?
 * Michael Stone: [sighs] I guess. I don't what the hell you're getting at.
 * Everyone else: [Lawrence Gill] Well, I -- um -- I love you.
 * Michael Stone: [aghast] Right. I'm leaving.

Cast

 * David Thewlis - Michael Stone
 * Jennifer Jason Leigh - Lisa Hesselman
 * Tom Noonan - Everyone Else