Mr. Nobody

Mr. Nobody is a 2009 science fiction drama film written and directed by Jaco Van Dormael. An international co-production between Belgium, France, Germany, and Canada, it marks Van Dormael's first English-language feature. The film stars Jared Leto as Nemo Nobody, the last mortal on Earth after humanity has achieved quasi-immortality. As a 118-year-old man reflecting on his life, Nemo recounts alternative versions of his past, exploring the impact of key decisions through a nonlinear narrative that incorporates the multiverse hypothesis. The ensemble cast also includes Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, Linh Dan Pham, Rhys Ifans, Natasha Little, Toby Regbo, and Juno Temple. Van Dormael began developing Mr. Nobody in 2001, spending years crafting a screenplay that combined speculative science, experimental cinema, and motifs of human emotion. Filming took place from June to September 2007 across Belgium, Germany, and Canada, with cinematographer Christophe Beaucarne using 35mm film. This was followed by an extensive post-production process, including visual effects, which took a year and a half to complete. The film marked the final collaboration with composer Pierre Van Dormael, the director's brother, who died shortly after completing the score. Mr. Nobody premiered on 12 September 2009 at the 66th Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Osella. Following creative differences with studio executives, the film's release strategy was revised to include a limited theatrical run, which began in Belgium and France on 13 January 2010, before expanding to streaming in international markets. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its screenplay, visual style, musical score, and cast performances, although its narrative structure sparked some debate. It won the André Cavens Award from the Belgian Film Critics Association and was nominated for seven Magritte Awards, winning six, including Best Film and Best Director for Van Dormael.