Read Positive User Reviews for Clouds of Sils Maria

7

BHBarryApr 19, 2015

"Clouds of Sils Maria" is a French made film (with total English dialogue) starring Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart and Chloe Grace Moretz. The film was written and directed by Olivier Assayas and, perhaps, there lies the problem. This a"Clouds of Sils Maria" is a French made film (with total English dialogue) starring Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart and Chloe Grace Moretz. The film was written and directed by Olivier Assayas and, perhaps, there lies the problem. This a movie showcasing the superb talents of Ms. Binoche and the surprising versatility of Ms. Stewart (who won the French equivalent of our Oscar, i.e. the Cesar, for her performance. Unfortunately, that is where the accolades must end for the writer-director, although attempting to script a clever story of the trials and tribulations of an aging actress faced with her own professional mortality, forgot how to edit and tie each chapter of the film into a cohesive easy to follow tale. The movie has more unresolved issues and loose ends than a mutant octupus. Adding to the confusion is the fact that this basically three person film is over 2 hours in length which only makes what might have been tolerable in a shorter version uncomfortable to watch in the one it is in. If ratings were based on performances alone, the film which generate a much higher number but, as a total theatrical experience, I can only award it a 7. "All About Eve" said it better and in a much shorter period of time.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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10

GinaKDec 27, 2015

A haunting film by Olivier Assayas about art, time, and irony. An actress who made her name playing the younger woman in a play about the relationship of two woman (one younger and one older) is asked many years later to play the older woman.A haunting film by Olivier Assayas about art, time, and irony. An actress who made her name playing the younger woman in a play about the relationship of two woman (one younger and one older) is asked many years later to play the older woman. She hesitates but finally agrees and then ironically has an even greater success as the older woman. The film follows the actress, played magnificently by Juliette Binoche as she hesitates and then prepares for the new production, and Assayas manages to mix the actress’s feelings with the text of the play so that you never quite know if the actress or her character in the play is speaking. The supporting cast members, especially Kristen Stewart, are also superb.… Expand

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7

DRauchDoes2015Apr 10, 2015

Clouds of Sils Maria has finally received a much belated release after premiering at Cannes nearly a year ago. For this cinephile, it was worth the wait. This is a work abundant with engaging, legitimately stimulating discussions on theClouds of Sils Maria has finally received a much belated release after premiering at Cannes nearly a year ago. For this cinephile, it was worth the wait. This is a work abundant with engaging, legitimately stimulating discussions on the medium of acting made so by their depth of understanding of the craft, emotional honesty, and eerie, meta-nature in the context of the story. Clouds of Sils Maria is a movie-about-movies simultaneously self-aware and yet pitched so realistically devoid of false self-importance that it stands above other Hollywood-centered works (Maps to the Stars, to name one recent effort), putting commentary as it's prime focus, rather than succumbing to a winking, surface-level vanity project.

The pacing is sluggish at times and the narrative has it's passages of arid aimlessness, but the dialogue, delivered with multi-faceted gravitas by the central three actresses (Stewart in particular strikes a nerve) never ceases to provoke thought. Assayas never opts a declaration of any outright theme, yet provides enough fervent discussion for the audience to come to conclusions of their own regarding any wholesome statement. To me, the meaning of Clouds of Sils Maria comes in small doses, during the conversations between Stewart and Binoche or their walks over the scenic mountain range, rather than any obvious cumulative final act. The ending leaves the viewer at somewhat of a loss if they are looking for narrative finality, but this isn't a bad thing; this is a film driven not by it's plot so much as it's ideas.

Some of the things that linger with me most in Clouds of Sils Maria is the metaphorical interconnectedness of the characters, and what, if any, legitimate significance it has. Binoche occasionally mirrors the character she is portraying on stage and Stewart, as her assistant, often resembles many of the qualities of the assistant to her character in the play, blurring the line between reality and rehearsal, as the two will often fade in and out of line readings into actual dialogue. There are so many similar instances of strange, almost cryptic synchronicity: Binoche's divorce and Moretz leading to the divorce of her author boyfriend, Binoche's character's arc ending in a disappearance in the mountains and the same fate befalling Stewart, etc.

I do have a gripe with that final exit of Stewart's, by the way. She is, in my mind, the most surprisingly thoughtful, vanity-free portrayal in the film and her character's arc ends on a bizarrely ambiguous decrescendo. It is a conclusion that feels muted and unceremonious for her, leaving the third-act devoid of the same level of titillating banter that elevated Clouds of Sils Maria to such highs before.

Repeated viewings may yield more of a wholesome takeaway; I'd certainly recommend seeing it again for clarity regardless of it's slow pace and less than climactic delivery. Binoche is perfect here, a performance testament to her devotion to the craft of acting in defiance of ageism. Moretz is also worth note, a role that, minus the behind-the-camera melodrama that befalls her character, is a fitting mirror to the youthful, ambitious image she has crafted for herself in such a short span of time. However, it is Stewart, who exudes such a naturalism and fidgety authenticity, that really steals the show. This is a performance so devoid of the cloying Hollywood performances she's given as of recent, that it is, frankly, shocking, and it should go down as a highlight of her career. And, hey, the movie she's in is on par to boot.… Expand

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7

jeremypMay 10, 2015

It's all about people talking about a play that is being redone and an actress who has to switch her role from predator to victim. If you like metaphors and symbols being dropped galore then you might get into it. For me it's a too long,It's all about people talking about a play that is being redone and an actress who has to switch her role from predator to victim. If you like metaphors and symbols being dropped galore then you might get into it. For me it's a too long, too overdrawn conversation by boring people on a boring subject. When the French use English as their main language the intelligence seems too obvious and the dialog too faux. Actors talking about acting is never as interesting as their performances. I'd rather see a movie about a dialog between a screen writer and a director.… Expand

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7

TVJerryMay 4, 2015

Kristen Stewart plays the personal assistant to star Juliette Binoche, whose career was launched at 18, when she was in a play. The play is being revived and she's been cast in the older role. The film is almost exclusively this duo inKristen Stewart plays the personal assistant to star Juliette Binoche, whose career was launched at 18, when she was in a play. The play is being revived and she's been cast in the older role. The film is almost exclusively this duo in general conversation and intellectual discussion about the play, as they travel from a retrospective event in Zurich to a remote house in the Alps (surrounded by gorgeous scenery). With any lesser actors, this could be a tedious bore. With these two, it's always interesting, even though it's still lots of talk. Director Olivier Assayas has tossed in some stylistic surprises and a few story elements that scream "foreign film." Don't expect any big moments. Just settle in for an intimate examination of ageism, fame and relationships.… Expand

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9

fungusgnatJul 28, 2015

This is the third movie I’ve seen from Assayas, following "Irma Vep" (1996), which I hated, and "Summer Hours" (2008), an improvement. "Clouds" is easily, in my estimation, the most accomplished of the three. But then, this film is of aThis is the third movie I’ve seen from Assayas, following "Irma Vep" (1996), which I hated, and "Summer Hours" (2008), an improvement. "Clouds" is easily, in my estimation, the most accomplished of the three. But then, this film is of a type I often like a lot—an intellectual challenge that does not forget that the viewer has a heart as well as a brain. The challenge arises from the fact that so many of the film’s lines are the play’s, being rehearsed by the actress and her assistant in readings that test their own relationship. Assayas uses music, mostly classical, the clouds of the film’s title, and his weighty lines spoken by his talented actresses (particularly Binoche) to create a dream-like film arcing from one revelatory scene to another. Some will find it too talky or esoteric, but I didn’t see these as problems.… Expand

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7

LowbrowCinemaApr 13, 2015

A movie trapped in the past about not being trapped in the past, CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA is one more mixed bag of pretension from Olivier Assayas. The ideas are there, the depth, the themes but the execution once again fails. Kristen Stewart,A movie trapped in the past about not being trapped in the past, CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA is one more mixed bag of pretension from Olivier Assayas. The ideas are there, the depth, the themes but the execution once again fails. Kristen Stewart, however, is a revelation! She gets it, breaking through the pretense to explore the depths only imagined by the rest of this film. Her shifts from "reality" to "acting" are quite frankly, awesome and amazing. And exactly what CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA is all about.… Expand

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7

amheretojudgeAug 15, 2018

more frizzier than clear..

Clouds Of Sils Maria 3 And A Half Out Of 5 Clouds Of Sils Maria is a character driven dramatic feature that takes place within a short span where an actress is preparing for a character and goes through emotionalmore frizzier than clear..

Clouds Of Sils Maria

3 And A Half Out Of 5

Clouds Of Sils Maria is a character driven dramatic feature that takes place within a short span where an actress is preparing for a character and goes through emotional trauma that may be a bit gothic but is poetic too.

The premise itself guides the sense of urgency that is wisely kept alive throughout the course of it where the ticking clock behind the screen might not create the anticipated impact but certainly makes the experience electrifying. Addition to that, it also depicts one of the most unexplored relationship (the actress and her assistant) which gives it a jump start on fresh material and perspective. Assayas' world in here is free from any habitual or satirical restraints; similar to its locations, which in fact is its strength and weakness on its own terms. The writing is adaptive and gripping if not anything out of the box, especially the cards it holds up the sleeve until the last act hits on screen. It is rich on technical aspects like metaphorical cinematography and fine editing whilst is short on background score. The camera work is up close and handled manually which works its way on helping to connect with the characters and stunning visuals and live locations that demands attention. Pragmatic conversation, intriguing concept and poetic tone are the high points of this feature. Binoche is poised, vulnerable and achingly good on her portrayal whilst Stewart is confident and a rigid supporter of hers in each frame. Assayas; the writer-director, may not be in his A game but is surely convincing on his execution and sharp script that cuts deepest in here. Clouds Of Sils Maria is more frizzier than clear due to the amount of time and characters that it consumes to set in a greater scene.… Expand

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10

addict-insaneMar 8, 2019

A feminist movie that is NOT full of political pandering, made with real heart and passion. One of my all-time favorites, however, like Ingmar Bergman's Persona, this movie is soul-crushing and I only rewatch it when I'm prepared to take theA feminist movie that is NOT full of political pandering, made with real heart and passion. One of my all-time favorites, however, like Ingmar Bergman's Persona, this movie is soul-crushing and I only rewatch it when I'm prepared to take the emotional blows this lands in my gut. Also, Kristen Stewart actually acts here. Chloe Grace Moretz is fleeting, yet scene-stealing. Like her character is meant to be. I give this a ten, and I don't just throw 10's around.… Expand

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7

ThomassJun 24, 2017

This is quite a good movie but I felt it was also a missed opportunity. The many excellent themes brought out in the body of the picture are not really concluded well in my opinion. I felt this would have been very difficult to do because soThis is quite a good movie but I felt it was also a missed opportunity. The many excellent themes brought out in the body of the picture are not really concluded well in my opinion. I felt this would have been very difficult to do because so much is there. Excellent performances and I have never seen Kristen Stewart so remarkably good. The movie is really worth seeing just for these performances . I just felt it could have been less artsy and more resolved. So if you can accept a drawback it is definitely worth it.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

beingryanjudeMay 25, 2015

The most unlikely bond between Juliette Binoche and Kristen Stewart is captivating and beautiful. Binoche proves her gifted presence while Stewart continues to redeem any diminished talent. The parallels within the film are plentiful--theThe most unlikely bond between Juliette Binoche and Kristen Stewart is captivating and beautiful. Binoche proves her gifted presence while Stewart continues to redeem any diminished talent. The parallels within the film are plentiful--the results are overwhelming.… Expand

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10

thesbianMay 26, 2015

Terrible title, but a riveting mirror on the times in which we live... Binoche's mania is magnificent, as always. (Damn, she`s hot.) Watching the film is like watching a news report of a train wreak; you want to avert your eyes, but theTerrible title, but a riveting mirror on the times in which we live... Binoche's mania is magnificent, as always. (Damn, she`s hot.) Watching the film is like watching a news report of a train wreak; you want to avert your eyes, but the curiosity of human nature pulls you in to take a closer look and find out what's really happening. An artistic film with multiple layers of complexity commentary on women and aging in our technology driven media. (See Maggie Gyllenhaal's recent media response). Post-processing the film with my lesbian partner over dinner in West Portal was in some ways more enjoyable than watching the film as the Jungian style story line teases and frustrates. But a film is art and shouldn't always please. Essentially a masterpiece - talented acting, an intricate maze of a story and intense mythic imagery. A classic on par with Elia Kazan's A Face in the Crowd. See this film now or after award season; eventually you must see this film. All I can say is: More, more, more!… Expand

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8

hotfromcauldronApr 20, 2015

Imagine an actress discovered for playing Eve Harrington given the opportunity to play Margo Channing twenty years later - a thespian’s nightmare or dream? Binoche's perf is a master class as she morphs into the “other” role while revealingImagine an actress discovered for playing Eve Harrington given the opportunity to play Margo Channing twenty years later - a thespian’s nightmare or dream? Binoche's perf is a master class as she morphs into the “other” role while revealing her own character. Art imitates life as line readings blur with conversation. Analysis of script becomes introspective. Stewart surprises as her outspoken assistant especially as she defends today’s “Twilights” and the actors who fearlessly attack their parts. Moretz’ Lohanesque starlet’s personal life is plastered all over the internet in contrast with Binoche’s past indiscretions cloaked in secrecy. Writer/director Assayas - one of France’s finest - cuts away from the expected and lingers on the unexpected. Perhaps a too inside examination of "process" that will leave most audiences out. Lee Strasberg believed acting is the most personal of our crafts. “Clouds” proves it.… Expand

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8

SpangleMar 29, 2016

Clouds of Sils Maria is a very good film from Olivier Assayas with fantastic acting, a compelling story, and beautiful cinematography. Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, and Chloe Grace Moretz, are all phenomenal here and turn in greatClouds of Sils Maria is a very good film from Olivier Assayas with fantastic acting, a compelling story, and beautiful cinematography. Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, and Chloe Grace Moretz, are all phenomenal here and turn in great performances. Stewart was my personal favorite, though the against type performance from Moretz was really interesting and well done. The story is very dense, but can be boiled down to being about an aging woman having a relationship with a younger woman, after having the shoe be on the other foot when she was younger. Now that she is older, she struggles to grapple with this age and the shoe being on the other foot, due to her own approach to the relationship when she was younger. In this way, the film is a compelling look at aging, both on stage and in life, and at relationships of all kinds. Finally, the cinematography is fantastic. The film has repeated gratuitous shots of landscapes in the Swiss alps and thank God for that because is pure eye candy. The cinematography in non-landscape scenes is also great though and that point cannot be understated. Clouds of Sils Maria is a great little film that really deserves more attention from film lovers due its well-written and well-directed approach to its subjects.… Expand

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