Olivier Assayas delivers a breathtaking view into the mind of an aging actress with “Clouds of Sils Maria.”
Juliette Binoche plays Maria Enders, a renowned actress who lives for the art, not for the paycheck. But a role comes along that strikes a chord of dissonance.
After learning that a beloved director, Wilhelm Melchior (under whose direction she garnered her fame as the young, driven Sigrid in the production of “Maloja Snake”) has died, Maria is approached by a director doing a production of the same play. But Maria is now offered the role of Helena—the older, emotionally beaten character on the verge of suicide—while younger actress Jo-Ann Ellis (Chloë Grace Moretz) will take the part of Sigrid.
Maria still wants to play Sigrid, but accepts the role of Helena, dragging her feet all the way, much to the dismay of her personal assistant, Valentine (Kristen Stewart). As Maria continuously states that she despises Helena and doesn’t “feel good in her skin,” it becomes clear that her disconnection with the role has less to do with the character and more to do with the denial of her position in life. Valentine sums it up beautifully as the two run lines: “The text is like an object. It’s gonna change perspective based on where you’re standing.”
The film skimps a bit on production values here and there. It’s as if Assayas forwent perfecting the small details to make way for the intellect of the story. But, at its core, the film is a character study, and a fascinating one at that.
That being said, not everyone will like this film. It’s very self-analytical and relies heavily on the less glamorous, preparatory side of theatre. Its reliance on dialogue could (ironically) make it a better play than film, were it not for the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, which beautifully demonstrate the distance that Maria lacks to view her own life. But, for those not interested in a two-hour film about introspection, there is some respite. Binoche and Stewart unfold the scenes magnificently, breaking up the weight of the story with their antics and constructing such a familiarity between the protagonist and her assistant that even the most analytical of scenes feels comfortable.
This is a film that can teach you about the tricky nature of soul-searching. It’s well worth a watch, in my book. “Clouds of Sils Maria” is now playing at the Midtown Cinema.
Lack of Motivation
The Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival is drawing near.
This year, there will be 12 films that you won’t want to miss during the festival’s run at the Midtown Cinema—one of which is the delightful comedy “Zero Motivation.” I’ve heard it described as an Israeli, girl-centric version of “M*A*S*H,” and that description hits the nail on the head.
The film follows a handful of female soldiers whose main job is to push papers at an Israeli military base, more specifically focusing on best friends Zohar (Dana Ivgy) and Daffi (Nelly Tagar). Zohar is sarcastic and rebellious, and Daffi is spoiled and only dreams of living in Tel Aviv. Both are lazy and outside of the graces of their chief of staff, Rama (Shani Klein).
The soldiers continually get themselves into ridiculous situations. The story is silly, biting and surprising at times; the characters are bold and refreshing. This is certainly a gem of a film. Come see “Zero Motivation” and the other films at the festival.
Midtown Cinema May Events
Harrisburg Beer Week Presents
“Beer Wars” (2009 documentary)
Sponsored by Zeroday Brewing Co.
Wednesday, April 29, Thursday, April 30 & Friday, May 1, 7pm
Midnight Matinee Series
“Fight Club” (1999)
Saturday, May 2, 11:45pm (BYOB)
Contemporary Digital Theatre Series
National Theatre Live’s
“The Hard Problem,” Sunday, May 3, 4pm & Tuesday, May 5, 7pm
“A View from the Bridge,” Sunday, May 10, 4pm
“Showboat,” Sunday, May 31, 4pm
MOVIATE Presents
Black Mariah Festival
Sunday, May 3, 7pm
Down in Front!
Improv crew skewers
“Bloody Pit of Horror”(1965)
Friday, May 8, 9:30pm (BYOB)
Saturday Morning Cartoons
May 9, 9:30am-11:30am
Mommy & Me Matinees
Saturday, May 9
Classic Film Series
“Psycho” (1960)
Sunday, May 10, 6pm
Happy Mother’s Day! (BYOB)
3rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail”
Friday, May 15, 9:30ish (BYOB)
Jewish Film Festival
May 15-21 (see story in TheBurg)
Family Film Series
“Mary Poppins”
Saturday, May 16, noon & Sunday, May 17, 2pm
Classic Digital Theatre Series
“Antony & Cleopatra”
Presented by Gamut Theatre Group
Sunday, May 24, 4pm & Tuesday, May 26, 7pm
MOVIATE Underground Film Festival at Artsfest
Guy Maddin, in-person
Screening his short films & “The Forbidden Room”
Friday, May 22, 8pm (free)
Documentary screening
Saturday, May 23, 8pm (free)
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974)
New restoration!
Saturday, May 23, midnight (free)
David Fair, in-person
Screening his short films
Sunday, May 24, 7pm
