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Holy Motors Blu-ray Review

“Holy Motors” is an exhausting and virtually plotless cinematic experiment.

The plot, if you want to call it that, revolves around a man (presumably named Mr. Oscar) who dons several identities and or jobs in a single day. Is the film a commentary on art and or identity issues? Is director Leos Carax taking the Shakespeare quote “All the world’s a stage” literally? Is there even a point to this surrealistic film that blurs the line between reality and fantasy? That’s really up for the viewer to decide.

Make no mistake about it; “Holy Motors” will divide audiences. Art house and cult film fans may eat up the non traditional storytelling and bizarre/random sequences while other viewers will find the film to be a cold, tiring, self absorbed project that thinks it is smarter than it is. Personally, I tend to side with the folks in the latter category.

Fans of the film are quick to point out that ‘Motors’ is a completely original piece. While it’s true that the film is unlike anything else out there, that’s hardly reason to praise it. Just because a film is original and contains wildly “creative” scenes of talking limos, a hair and flower eating creeper, and a man with a monkey family doesn’t mean it is any good. Sure, it’s easy to get swept up in the hodge podge of genres presented here, but the film roams around from scene to scene without a clear purpose. I’m all for open ended films that make the viewer ponder what they have just seen, but ‘Motors’ seems to take an almost snobbish pride in defying conventions and being unique.

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, however, it’s that actor Denis Lavant puts on one hell of a show. Anyone who can convincingly become so many characters (however absurd they may) unquestionably deserves praise. Whether Lavant’s doing an elaborate motion capture scene or having an emotional and dramatic discussion with a character, he effortlessly drifts and out of these characters. Kylie Minogue, who recently impressed on “Doctor Who,” also gives another strong supporting performance here as well.

Video/Audio:

‘Motors,’ which is presented in widescreen, looks gorgeous on Blu-ray. Whether a scene takes place during the day or at night, fans won’t be disappointed by this colorful transfer.

For some odd reason, the main track here is a French Dolby Digital 5.1 track. I’m not sure why a hi-def track was not included, but it still sounds solid regardless.

Extras:
* Vivendi and Indomina trailers and U.S. and international trailers for “Holy Motors.”
* An interview with Kylie Minogue.
* A 47 minute featurette titled “Drive In: the Making Of Holy Motors” contains the usual set footage and cast and crew interviews.

Summary: If you are curious to see what all the hype is about, “Holy Motors” might be worth a watch just for the pure oddity of it all. However, don’t say I didn’t warn you if you wind up being baffled by it all.

February 26, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Denis Lavant, Holy Motors Blu-ray Review, Kylie Minogue, Leos Carax