Review of Femme Fatale (2002) by Terry M — 18 Apr 2010

Love DePalma films. His early ones. It seems as if he just made a film to indulge his own artistic thoughts and the sort. I have no problem with this really. As an audience member though, personally, I feel it was almost a waste of my time. I wasn't moved. I wasn't involved really for most of it. I think if you alienate your audience than ultimately, whats the point? From what I can gather, he made a film for the sake of making a film. Hes quite good at it so, I don't mean to be a hater at all. This Just wasn't fulfilling to watch for me. I felt confused as im sure he wanted but, I would at least like to be intrigued during my confusion or something. The end should justify the confusion beyond Oh, it's a dream. Thats how I feel anyway. I found myself shifting around a great deal and wondering why I even cared. Sounds like he had a great deal of fun making it by watching the special features. I think this is great. Too bad he sounds like a pretensious jerk in the process.

The last scene blew it for me as well. The performers Rebecca and Antonio looked awkward in the final wrap it up scene. The scene just didn't play well visually. I Thought the performances were just fine for the most part. The end though, kind of cheesy. DePalma is a master filmmaker and I can appreciate his vision and how he incorporates his ideas. Im disappointed though as an audience member. I used to think, "Its a DePalma film, I must see it!" Now after Dahlia and this, im not so excited anymore. This sucks and I hate to say it. Sorry De Palma.

Considering how empty I feel after watching this film, I feel I graded it generously enough. Making films cannot in any way be easy. I respect De Palma and his mastery. Hopefully soon he'll make a film thats satisfying for a broader audience and not just satisfying for his own fun and whims alone.

I love movies and Im sure with some time Ill give his new film, whatever that may be in the future, a shot again..