Watch Holy Motors

Set in a surreal and uncanny world, Holy Motors directed by Leos Carax is a visually stunning, bizarre and enigmatic motion picture that challenges the viewer's perception of reality. The film begins with a man named Monsieur Oscar, played by Denis Lavant, who is chauffeured around in a white stretch limousine by his long-time driver Céline, portrayed by Edith Scob. Obliged to carry out a series of mysterious and fragmented 'appointments' throughout Paris, Oscar is transformed into several different characters, each one embroiled in a very different scenario, mirroring the many varied roles the modern day society demands.

From a beggar woman on the streets to a grotesque creature, from a motion capture artist to a dying billionaire, Oscar embodies an array of characters and performs a series of tasks that seem to have no coherent connection. With each assignment, Oscar engages in different acts, some of which are mundane, some bizarre, and others violent, while the reasons behind the assignments remain unrevealed. The mystery behind what exactly Oscar's job is, and why he has to transform into these different roles, is a central enigma of the film, adding to the enigmatic and cryptic atmosphere that pervades throughout the movie.

At its core, Holy Motors is about the masks and roles that one must assume in order to survive in the contemporary world. It's a fantastical reflection on the notion of self-identity and the ways in which we configure our 'selves' to accommodate different social settings. Through each of the characters Oscar inhabits, the movie invites the viewer to consider the ways in which we project ourselves differently in various situations, calling forth the confrontational question of whether we ever really know our true selves.

Another focal point of Holy Motors is the beautiful and surreal cinematography by Yves Cape. The striking visuals, shot in a beautiful yet dark and shadowy style, are both mesmerising and unnerving. Time after time, the camera lingers on a beautiful image or explores the nooks and crannies of an unsettling scene. The contrast between the beautiful imagery and the scenes of violence and distress is striking, contributing to the sense of unease that runs through the movie.

The movie's haunting and beautiful score, composed by Neil Lubarski and Sophia Coppola, adds further to the movie's otherworldly atmosphere. The music manages to create a melancholic beauty that is both haunting and uplifting, providing a fitting accompaniment to the dreamlike visuals.

Denis Lavant shines in the lead role of Monsieur Oscar, providing an astounding range of performances that are both complex and intense. His ability to inhabit each character and embody their unique traits is impressive, making the movie all the more captivating. Lavant delivers standout performances, particularly in his motion capture artist role where he powerfully conveys the struggle of a depressed and troubled man, and the heart-wrenching final act where he rejects his position as an actor in his own life.

The supporting cast is also outstanding, most notably Edith Scob as Céline, who provides an evocative and ethereal presence. Eva Mendes appears in an eccentric interlude that is as unsettling as it is captivating, adding to the movie's already surreal atmosphere.

In conclusion, Holy Motors is a visually stunning and thought-provoking movie that is both surreal and disturbing. Challenging the viewer's perceptions of reality, identity, and meaning, it presents an unorthodox and non-linear journey that will keep you guessing till the very end. A cinematic gem that's sure to leave an indelible impression on anyone who seeks to puzzle out its seductive mystery.

Holy Motors is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 84.