Applause
World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation | Release Date: January 21, 2011 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
68
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
6
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
91
Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumJan 20, 2011
In his debut feature, the director is wise enough to move his hand-held camera wherever Steen wants to go. Read full review
90
SalonAndrew O'HehirJan 20, 2011
Applause may present as gritty European realism, but the struggle inside Thea is almost theological in scale, and worthy of Milton or Kierkegaard. Read full review
89
Austin ChronicleMarc SavlovSep 15, 2011
Which ultimately is what Applause is really about: applying the greasepaint of the daily mundane over the scar tissue of a damaged life, striving for a reality outside of a bottle (and off the stage) while still maintaining some semblance of what made this particular lion roar in the first place. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesBetsy SharkeyJan 20, 2011
It is a singular performance and a deeply affecting if imperfect film. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleRyan LattanzioApr 13, 2012
Applause is a very minor film with a massive performance at its center. Read full review
75
New York PostV.A. MusettoJan 21, 2011
Director and co-writer Martin Pieter Zandvliet draws inspired work from Steen. Read full review
75
The A.V. ClubSam AdamsJan 20, 2011
Zandvliet's direction lacks Steen's gradations. The handheld, rubbed-raw style wears thin after a while, growing monotonous and wearying. Read full review
70
New York Magazine (Vulture)David EdelsteinJan 24, 2011
As much of her (Steen) as there is, you'll want more. Read full review
70
MovielineStephanie ZacharekJan 20, 2011
A small movie with modest ambitions, and accordingly, it packs only a modest emotional punch. Read full review
60
Boxoffice MagazineSara Maria VizcarrondoJan 24, 2011
The feature directorial debut of Martin Zandvliet, Applause has moments of flourish and moments that reach towards something as pared down as Thea's play. Read full review
60
Time OutDavid FearJan 18, 2011
Her (Steen) emotional acrobatics are reason enough to sit through Applause's parade of pain, though it's a movie to admire rather than enjoy. Read full review
60
Village VoiceMelissa AndersonJan 18, 2011
Usually an enervating process to witness onscreen, Steen's subtle calibrations of self-hatred and raging narcissism exhilarate. Read full review
60
The Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenDec 6, 2010
The simple but affecting film begins a weeklong award-qualifying run Friday before opening in stateside art houses Jan. 21, and is worth a look for its gutsy and commanding central performance. Read full review
50
The New York TimesManohla DargisJan 20, 2011
When an actress gives herself as wholly as Ms. Steen does here, a filmmaker should return the favor with a comparable level of craft and commitment, which is largely absent from this movie. Read full review
40
New York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierJan 21, 2011
Steen, her face full of remorse, does a great job of portraying someone unclear of where to go or what to say without a script. Read full review
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