Clouds of Sils Maria (Olivier Assayas, 2014): France, Switzerland

reviewed by Vanessa Rason, Seen at the AFI film fest

This film is about Maria Enders (played by Juliette Binoche)  a successful acclaimed actress of 20 years and her assistant, Valentine ( Kristen Steward) . They’ve planned a trip to to present an award to a director who had previously led her to stardom with his casting of her in a film about a young  beautiful and energetic assistant (Sigrid)  seducing her older boss ( Helena) into a sexual relationship which furthered her depression and drove her to the point of suicide. When they receive news of the directors appear ant suicide moments before his films 20 ear anniversary the plans change, and through a series of events, she is led to accept the offer of playing her Helena in a revival of her first film 20 years later opposite an up and coming Hollywood Starlett Jo-ann Ellis (Chloe Grace Moretz).  The two head for Switzerland to prepare for the role and meet with the late directors wife/caretaker . they rehearse lines, hike and research material at a cabin in Switzerland. Its interesting how the fictional character of Ellis quite ironically parallels to the real life of  a somewhat “troubled” Stewart in recent Hollywood film culture

though the plot is not super eventful we are kept entertained by the two Maria and Valentines ( Stewart and Binoche’s) interactions where realistically  funny. the highlight of the film is definitely the superbly good acting skills of Binoche and Stewart who are so believable in their roles one begins to believe that they are sitting in a room watching real life unfold just before their eyes.

The scenes are beautifully shot with breathtaking slow long shots of the swiss alps, mountains, sunrise and sunset scales over an incredibly pristine looking clean fresh land. I recommend this film. It’s a great funny movie with an interestingly fresh take on a new classic .