Review of Holy Motors (2012) by Matthew L — 02 Mar 2013

The director gives the audience a pencil and piece of paper. From there we're suppose to interrupt this art film's meaning, purpose, or the statement it's trying to make. If any at all. During the film nothing seems to be real, except for the limo rides.

The lead changes from character to character for various appointments which we assume with some hints are possible movie or tv sets with hidden cameras. For who? Why? Or any other question you wish to ask.

All these questions are left for us to figure out. There may be one minor thing the director hits the audience bluntly with. The lead is referred to as Mr. Oscar. Still you're left to examine that any way you please as the movie moves along.

Semi-SPOILER. There is one scene which may wrap up the whole film. An ugly, odd, mentally ill, creature of a person steals the spotlight from a model during a photo shoot. Where the photographer is deeply interested in this "beast" once he is pointed out.

As the beast makes his way, he attacks the photographer's assistant and takes the model. Instead of anyone helping the assistant or the model. Everyone has their eyes on the beast. Including the photographer getting picture after picture.

What does this all mean? What is the director trying to say? It's up to you. Much like the film you thought I (the author) was going to give you some insight but I stopped short. It's an interesting film with some decent visuals, that will either have you thinking or not.

It's a strange journey. 3.2.13.