Watch The Look

The Look is a 2011 French-American drama film directed by Angelina Maccarone and starring Charlotte Rampling, Peter Lindbergh, and Paul Auster. The film explores the power of the gaze, the essence of cinema, and the relationship between reality and fiction. The Look is structured around a series of conversations between Charlotte Rampling and a diverse group of guests, including an artist, a philosopher, a writer, and a psychiatrist. The conversations take place in Rampling's apartment in Paris, and are interspersed with black and white still photographs by Peter Lindbergh.

The film opens with Rampling recounting her experiences while working on the set of a film in Italy. She describes how her character was required to stare at a painting for hours on end, and how this experience changed her perception of the world. From this moment on, the concept of looking, of being looked at, and of seeing oneself through the eyes of others, becomes the central focus of the film.

As the film progresses, Rampling engages in a series of conversations with her guests, exploring different aspects of the power of the gaze, and how this power can be used to create art, to manipulate, and to reveal truths. Each conversation is accompanied by Lindbergh's photographs, which provide a visual counterpoint to the words of the speakers.

Some of the topics discussed in The Look include the nature of cinema, the importance of the viewer, the effects of technology on human interaction, and the role of memory in shaping our perception of the present. The film also touches on more personal themes, such as aging, sexuality, and the relationship between men and women.

One of the highlights of the film is the conversation between Rampling and Paul Auster, in which they discuss the essence of storytelling, and how the stories we tell ourselves shape our identity. Auster emphasizes the importance of creating stories that are flexible and adaptable, that can change and evolve as we ourselves change and evolve.

The Look is a film that rewards contemplation and reflection. It is not a plot-driven movie, but rather a series of meditations on different aspects of the human experience. The conversations are insightful and thought-provoking, and the still photographs by Lindbergh add a visual beauty to the film.

Ultimately, what makes The Look such an interesting film is the central performance by Charlotte Rampling. She brings a sense of gravitas and depth to the role of the conversationalist, and her intelligence and sophistication shine through in every conversation. Rampling's own experiences as an actress and as a woman give her a unique perspective on the topics discussed in the film, and she is able to convey both vulnerability and strength in her interactions with the other speakers.

In conclusion, The Look is a film that will appeal to those who enjoy philosophical discussions and who are interested in exploring the nature of perception and reality. The film is well-directed, well-acted, and visually stunning, and is a must-see for fans of Charlotte Rampling, Peter Lindbergh, and Paul Auster.

The Look is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 58.