Review of Clouds of Sils Maria (2014) by Bhbarry — 18 Apr 2015

"Clouds of Sils Maria" is a French made film (with total English dialogue) starring Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart and Chloe Grace Moretz. The film was written and directed by Olivier Assayas and, perhaps, there lies the problem.

This a movie showcasing the superb talents of Ms. Binoche and the surprising versatility of Ms. Stewart (who won the French equivalent of our Oscar, i.e. the Cesar, for her performance. Unfortunately, that is where the accolades must end for the writer-director, although attempting to script a clever story of the trials and tribulations of an aging actress faced with her own professional mortality, forgot how to edit and tie each chapter of the film into a cohesive easy to follow tale.

The movie has more unresolved issues and loose ends than a mutant octupus. Adding to the confusion is the fact that this basically three person film is over 2 hours in length which only makes what might have been tolerable in a shorter version uncomfortable to watch in the one it is in.

If ratings were based on performances alone, the film which generate a much higher number but, as a total theatrical experience, I can only award it a 7. "All About Eve" said it better and in a much shorter period of time.