Assayas’ first feature isn’t really great but it still is an enigmatic treatise on the tension between youthful idealism and fatalism as a group of friends with music ambitions rethink their existence after a plan goes awry, leaving blood in their hands.
Misunderstood when first released, this is one of Assayas’ most prophetic works, a cyber spy-thriller dealing with corporate espionage in the disturbing milieu of the burgeoning dark web and manga porn.
A lacklustre first half plagues Assayas’ globetrotting ‘thriller’ about corporate and personal manipulation, but it gets better and features Asia Argento in a strong performance.
This meta-cinematic, self-reflexive experiment by Assayas is one of his most fascinating films, featuring an alluring Maggie Cheung in latex.
Even a master filmmaker can misfire big time in this shallow and messy star-studded stab at telling the narrative of the infamous ‘Cuban Five’.
Continue reading →Olivier Assayas’ beguiling take on the ‘ghost story’, made with a blend of sensuality and tension, and backed by a stirring turn by Kristen Stewart.
Continue reading →In some way a loose thematic companion piece to Cronenberg’s “Maps to the Stars”, but with greater dramatic introspection, though not necessarily tight enough to soar.
Continue reading →Assayas’ new film is talky in the very best sense, capturing themes of digitalisation and socialisation with effortless ease.
Continue reading →Assayas’ latest captures the dreams and hopes of revolutionary European youths post-May 1968 through an eye-opening prism-memory of politics and art.
Continue reading →Backed by a terrific performance by Cannes Best Actress winner Maggie Cheung, Assayas explores the theme of redemption through the inner workings of head and heart.
Eternality Tan 