Even though Love and Engineering is a documentary, it can at
times feel like science fiction. There are protagonists, and there is a simple
quest at hand: to see if love could be defined as a quantifiable concept thus
allowing it to be conquered.
The cinematography is a glimmering florescent at times and
combined with the modern feeling of the city of Helsinki can give a sense of
looking at a constructed vision of the future. Adding to the mystique are
occasional views of a cavernous bluish black room filled with rows of computer
banks flickering blurrily. There is also a wonderfully catchy electro pop
score, which I have not been able to get out of my head some weeks later.
IT engineer Anatas is something of a main character here, as
he has devised a means, several actually, of finding out the answer. The fellow
engineers in the film are like supporting characters, serving as something of a
combination of subjects to observe, causes whom he tries to help (he coaches
some through mock dinner dates via earpieces connected to a walkie talkie), and
allies aiding him in his quest.
Various means of cracking away at the mystery of human
attraction are employed, some humorous, like the coached dates described above,
and some amazingly scientific, with participants hooked up to various wires and
patches producing intense amounts of data. References to chemicals produced in
the body and brain activity suggest the issue is being very meticulously
researched.
But there are also amazing instances of humanness emerging
from the circuitry. To varying degrees, the subjects change in ways that are
delightful to behold. One takes on a persona of the ‘captain’ when wearing the
uniform of a cruise ship commander makes him realize newfound ability to
project confidence. Todor, perhaps the most engaging of characters shows an
amazing growth in his sense of self-awareness, discovering that making progress
toward finding a romantic connection leads to as much frustration as it does
satisfaction, when difficulties arise that cannot be clearly calculated. His
experiences speak to a truth of people shielding themselves from the hurt of
rejection and difficulties of starting over by keeping to themselves.
Some aspects of the challenges facing these individuals
working in highly specialized fields is illustrated very clearly with no need
to show explanations or moments of discussion. Cameras at times survey the
subjects’ personal rooms filled with various screens set up, revealing a vast
world of interactions outside of that involving two face to face humans. Do
these provide enough stimuli to convince one to neglect the latter? Is this sort
of interaction in some ways more appealing? More instantly gratifying? Easier
to control the outcome of? When it comes time to discuss their feelings about
these possible hang ups, the candid answers of the subjects are both fragile
and insightful, and relatable to the universal struggle of finding one with
whom to share mutual affection.
Between Anatas’ practical ‘attraction hacks’, scientifically
rendered truths, and social ventures outside of their comfort zone both with
one another and in talking with potential girlfriends, Love And Engineering is bursting with discoveries at every level. I know I heard several murmured aha’s from amid the audience at key
moments. You may want to bring a pen and notebook so you can refer to these
ideas later in your own pursuits.
LOVE AND ENGINEERING screens Thursday the 24th and Saturday
the 26th. Click here for moreinformation or to buy tickets.
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