Is EE Control Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1985)

🎬 The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1985, EE Control represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into It was produced to be exhibited at the “Personal Focus” (April 23-8, 1985), a three-minute, 8mm film screening held in Fukuoka. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "It was produced to be exhibited at the “Personal Focus” (April 23-8, 1985), a three-minute, 8mm film screening held in Fukuoka. Digitized the original 8mm film that Matsumoto had been stored. The concept of this works is same as Delay Exposure, but in this film, it begins with a sequence that sets the aperture to excessive exposure. During a one to two-second-long shoot, the camera zooms in, the automatic exposure device also follows the movement of the image, and immediately lights the screen with proper exposure. This short sequence combined with a series of shots in the background, is processed."

🎭 Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of the ensemble cast provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Toshio Matsumoto is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 3 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

🤔 Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is EE Control truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4.8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

⚖️ Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, EE Control explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1985 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Toshio Matsumoto respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

🏆 Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, EE Control is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of the ensemble cast or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, EE Control is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.