Thomas in Love (2000)

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Great Film overall

A Major Disappointment

"Thomas In Love (Thomas est amoureux)" is one of the most creative imaginings of social life in the future I've seen since "Gattaca." So many sci fi movies are only technology oriented, while "Thomas" is about people. It entertainingly satirizes and compares the meaning and purposes of erotic video games, cyber/virtual sex and computer dating services with basic human relationships. The plot twists and turns so I'm not exactly sure which characters/institutions are manipulating whom to whose advantage and goals. The conceit of never seeing the face of the protagonist works ingeniously as you see all the action from his, and only his, perspective, specifically his computer terminal.When "Thomas" comes out in video, it could become a cult hit if it dubs the French-speaking Belgians; this is the first foreign film I've ever seen that I might be willing to watch dubbed on the small screen as reading the subtitles changes the video-vision sub-text.(originally written 8/19/01)

We caught Thomas est amoureux at the Virginia Film Festival this year. As we left, my wife and I (who have seen a number of really good films this year) agreed that this was one of, if not the best, movie we'd seen in a long time. It tells the story of Thomas, a young agoraphobic, who has not left his house in eight years and who interacts solely through the internet videophone on his computer. Yes, it is told from his point of view, which is as claustrophobic and inhibiting as you would expect. However, I thought it was brilliant - by the end, I felt as cramped and limited as the protagonist. ****/****

A movie in which the lead character is never on camera, and where the other characters are seen as if on a computer monitor might sound like a gimmick which could wear on viewers rather quickly. That is not the case here thanks to sharp writing and directing. I found this quirky flick quite fascinating. In places it was almost hilarious while remaining thought provoking. I think anyone who spends much time online in this millennium will enjoy this film and also recognize many elements of life on the net.

One of the most stimulating, hilarious, thought provoking films I've seen in years. About an agoraphobe living maybe a decade into the future (in Belgium), when it is possible to have exclusively virtual relationships. Narrator/star has wry sense of humour, yet is quite compassionate and understanding as he goes about his daily business -- in all realms of life -- via interactive electronic media.Film touches on experiences many of us have had in chat rooms, via email, on ICQ, on web pages, etc. It will probably seem very familiar to you. You're likely to find yourself nodding, "yes, yes, I've done that.... ah, yes, that's just the way it could be....."Subtly and credibly casted, directed and acted. A film that is good enough to bear viewing two or three times. Something Ridley Scott might have made, if he'd thought of it first and if he'd sworn off violence.