Cast: Maggie Cheung, Jean-Pierre
Leaud, Nathalie Richard, Antoine Baster
Directed by Olivier
Assayas
Playing herself, but not really, Maggie
Cheung travels to Paris to appear in an artsy remake of a classic
vampire film LES VAMPIRES, called IRMA VEP. The film has problems,
due to the waning popularity of the director and his New Wave,
personal style. Meanwhile, one of the costume designers takes a
fancy towards Maggie, while Maggie begins to become obsessed with her
role. The press is against the film-making endeavor, favoring films
made for the people like BATMAN over personal films like IRMA
VEP.
Sort-of a mix between a realistic
portrayal of the complications of film-making (a la LIVING IN
OBLIVION) and a satirical look at how the personal nature of French
film is being pervaded by popular American and Hong Kong
sensibilities. A terrific cast shines, and Maggie Cheung's inclusion
is a nice twist. In fact the acting is so good, it almost has a
documentary/scriptless feel to it. The point of the film isn't
always clear, but it's still a very interesting and thought-provoking
endeavor that is recommended for those who have a knowledge and love
of French cinema.
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