The Top of His Head

The Top of His Head is a unique avant-garde feature film from 1989, directed by acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Peter Mettler. The movie adeptly captures an intriguing blend of drama, comedy, and surrealism. The narrative primarily focuses on the themes of love, obsession, technology, and transformation. It offers an immersive experience with a poetic narration that adopts an innovative cinematic approach which pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

The Top of His Head revolves around an eccentric satellite dish salesman, Gus Victor, brilliantly portrayed by Stephen Ouimette. Gus is a man largely characterized by his mundane and routine life, living in the shadows of the giant satellite dishes he sells. He spends most of his days in solitude, significantly intertwined with technology, managing signals from satellites, and securing broadcast rights for the large corporation he works for. He, in his own space and rhythm, seems comfortable with the predictability of his life until it gets disrupted by an unexpected event, shaping the rest of the narrative.

The turning point of the story occurs when Gus develops an inexplicable obsession with a mysterious woman named Lucy, played impressively by Christie MacFadyen. Lucy embodies the free-spirited on-the-run rebel, providing a stark counterpoint to Gus's predictable lifestyle. She is on the run from the law, involving herself in various anarchic activities, fighting against the same massive corporations Gus works for. The film traces the troubled track of their relationship and the adversity, not just in their everyday situation but also due to their conflicting ideologies.

Without offering any spoilers, the interaction between Gus and Lucy leads Gus down a rabbit hole which tests his understanding of love, life and puts his previously predictable existence into a tailspin. Despite the physical distance between them, they forge a bond, with Lucy becoming an obsession for Gus. Their intriguing correspondence via satellite technology forms a significant part of the narrative. Gus is brought to the brink of his sanity as he fights with his transformed self, ensnared in the unexpected emotional intrigue.

To complement this surreal story, the film displays flashes of David Fox’s 'William,' a superior-ranking officer of the tech giant Gus works for, who presents the darker edges of the corporate world. His character paints an undercurrent of capricious corporate machinations that help the narrative to explore the pervasive control of media corporations over our lives.

In terms of scenery and cinematography, The Top of His Head is not only a gorgeous feast for the eyes but also an audacious exploration of the metaphysical aspects of life. The film is studded with scenes of breathtaking panoramas, heavily symbolic within the context of the story, projecting the vastness of nature against the dots of human existence. The movie thus emerges not only a narrative but also a philosophical exploration on a metaphysical level.

The musical score and sound design are both used creatively to weave an immersive atmosphere, effectively aiding the narrative. The stunning visuals are accompanied by groundbreaking soundscapes that brilliantly enhance the movie experience. The film is noteworthy for its innovative use of sound and image, pushing the boundaries of conventional cinema and drawing the audience into a captivating audio-visual vortex.

Although The Top of His Head might initially seem to focus mainly on the idiosyncrasies of its characters and their emotional landscapes, the movie further layers its narrative with socio-political undertones. The film subtly critiques the insidious nature of big corporations and government surveillance within its facets, while delving into the philosophical exploration of identity in an increasingly detached and alienated society.

Overall, the movie The Top of His Head is an intriguing exploration of human characters, entwined in a heavily technological world. The film touches on broader themes, often raising questions about human connection, personal transformation, and the growing influence of media and technology on our lives. Mettler’s film spells a unique brand of cinema that distinguishes itself from the typical storytelling narrative style, making it a treat for viewers who appreciate alternative and thought-provoking films. In essence, The Top of His Head offers its audiences a cinematically rewarding experience, rich with complicated characters and profound themes.