#822: ASSAYAS, Olivier: Clouds Of Sils Maria (2014)

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ASSAYAS, Olivier (France)
Clouds Of Sils Maria [2014]
Spine #822
Blu-ray

This multilayered, immensely entertaining drama from the great contemporary French director Olivier Assayas is a singular look at the intersection of high art and popular culture. The always extraordinary Juliette Binoche is stirring as Maria, a stage and screen icon who is being courted to star in a new production of the play that made her famous — only this time she must assume the role of the older woman. Kristen Stewart matches her punch for punch as her beleaguered assistant, called upon to provide support both professional and emotional for her mercurial boss. And Chloë Grace Moretz is Maria's callow new castmate, a starlet waiting in the wings. An amorphous, soul-searching tale, filled with ethereal images of its Swiss Alps setting, Clouds of Sils Maria brilliantly dramatizes one woman's reckoning with herself and the world.

124 minutes
Color
5.1 Surround
in English, French, and German
2:39:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2016
Director/Writer


Olivier Assayas was 59 when he wrote and directed Clouds of Sils Maria.

Other Assayas films in the Collection:

#944: Cold Water (1994)
#1074: Irma Vep (1996)
#513: Summer Hours (2008)
#582: Carlos (2010)
#899: Personal Shopper (2016)

The Film

A

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Twelve-page wraparound featuring an essay by critic Molly Haskell.

Commentary

None.

Beyond Time

Interview with director Assayas.

Parallel Lives

A program featuring actors Binoche and Stewart on their roles in the film.

Cloud Phenomena of Maloja

A 1924 silent documentary by Arnold Fanck that is seen in the film.

Trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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