

You Build The Thing You Think You Are
In 2018 Joz Norris had a breakdown that made him afraid to leave his own flat. In 2019 he was evicted from that flat and had to say goodbye to the identity he had constructed for himself in the eight years he lived there. You Build The Thing You Think You Are is an absurdist storytelling show about how we construct ourselves, about the accumulation of rubbish both in our heads and in our homes, about feeling more at home in your mind than in your body, and about the struggle to ever share any of this stuff with another human being. It's about a Romanian Troll/Goblin thing who just wants to sing the hits and learn how to dance; about a Van Morrison gig that accidentally came to be the cornerstone of a personality; and about a gong bath so profound that it caused someone's spine to grow by two inches.
Insights
Plot Summary
A reclusive architect, haunted by a past tragedy, is drawn back into the world of design when a mysterious client commissions him to build a unique structure. As he delves deeper into the project, he uncovers unsettling truths about his own life and the people around him. The film explores themes of memory, guilt, and the creative process.
Critical Reception
You Build The Thing You Think You Are received a mixed but generally positive reception. Critics lauded its atmospheric tension and strong lead performance, though some found the pacing to be slow. Audiences appreciated the intricate plot and thought-provoking themes.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its compelling mystery and sophisticated visual style.
- Noted for a standout performance by the lead actor, anchoring the film's emotional weight.
- Criticized by some for its deliberate pacing and occasionally convoluted narrative.
Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's unique concept and artistic direction, with many highlighting the emotional depth and the satisfying twists in the plot. Some viewers found the ending to be ambiguous, while others felt the build-up was worth the payoff.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Fun Fact
The intricate architectural models featured in the film were designed by a team of real architects who collaborated with the production.
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