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Five people have survived World War III, but they have been struck mute
(maybe by some gas used during the war - that's the guess, it never really
explains this in the movie). We never learn their names so we're making
up characters for them because it's easier to tell them apart than if we
call them survivor 1, 2...
We first meet Mr. Japan (Yasuaki Nakajima) when he emerges from his hiding
place still wearing his gas mask. After he is rescued from a near drowning
by Alpha-Male (Zorikh Lequidre), they bond over a search for food. The
Clown (Moises Morales) shows up in time for dinner and entertains them
with juggling. The guys seem to get along okay, but as soon as the Woman
(Jacqueline Bowman) shows up they feel the need to fight over her. She
is with the Alpha-Male and he's very possessive. Mr. Japan's attempts to
woo her away and the Clown's attempt to seduce her with music (he plays
the spoons) don't do anything except make Alpha-Male very angry.
Mr. Japan meets Goggles (Oscar Lowe) and they set up a shelter together
and decide to rescue Woman from Alpha-Male. As sickness and violence threaten
to decimate the small group, the Woman draws pictures of babies - if this
is what is left of the human race, we might be in trouble.
This is the quintessential-experimental art film. It's shot in black and white and there is not a word of dialog - the characters have to use their expressions, grunts, and body language to communicate their feelings. You don't really need words to understand the story (it's pretty simple), but it takes a unique audience to appreciate this kind of film.
When they give up speech, they are reduced to the very basics - hunting
for food, water, shelter, and sex; throw in a little self-gratification,
the desire for cleanliness and some light entertainment and you've got
everything you need. Except the need to prove male-dominance - this kind
of puts a damper on group harmony. Things go from bad to worse, but what's
a little cannibalism among friends.
You have to wonder how long these survivors have been hiding before they all come out to play - and if they can't breathe the air, how safe can it be to drink river water and eat the fish. Where is that radio static coming from at the beginning of the movie - are these the only people left in the whole world, or just this little area? Sometimes, it's best to not ask too many questions.
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