This week, we watched “Holy Motors,” directed by Leo Carax. This French art film is a visual journey that blurs the boundaries between reality and performance, and when I finished watching it, I was confused by it but also intrigued by its deeper meaning.

The film opens with an audience seated in a darkened cinema, a scene that cleverly mirrors our anticipation. We’re then transported into a world of dreams and transformations, guided by Monsieur Oscar (played by the exceptional Denis Lavant), a character who shape-shifts through various roles and identities. Oscar’s transformations are mesmerizing and thought-provoking, from a beggar woman to an assassin.

There is one particular moment in the movie where Oscar takes on the role of Monsieur Merde, a creature that lives in the sewer and eats flowers. This scene is incredibly daring and unpredictable, as Merde kidnaps a model and takes her away. It perfectly captures the surreal and imaginative nature of the film and reminds us of the endless creative possibilities of cinema.

Kylie Minogue also makes a memorable appearance, portraying a former lover of Oscar. Her haunting song about the passage of time and her subsequent tragic leap from a building adds a touching layer to the narrative. This sequence is a testament to the emotional depth that “Holy Motors” carries amidst its surreal tapestry.

Let’s delve deeper into the significance of Kylie Minogue’s singing scene in the movie. The scene revolves around two lovers who haven’t met each other for two decades and are given a mere twenty minutes to catch up. What sets this scene apart from others is that Minogue performs the song live, which adds an additional layer of intimacy and vulnerability. Unlike most movies where songs are pre-recorded and dubbed in later, the raw authenticity of Minogue’s live performance makes it unique.

I found a fantastic clip that analyzes this scene from Leos Carax’s perspective. Carax himself sheds light on the emotional weight and creative decisions behind this pivotal moment. How Kylie Minogue’s raw vocals served to create a profound scene, showcasing a tender moment in a rather fast-paced film. I highly recommend watching it, as it offers invaluable insights into the director’s vision and the depth of Minogue’s performance.

Here is the clip: https://nyti.ms/49qA08X

In short, I was captivated by Carax’s bold vision in “Holy Motors”. The film defies conventions and prompts us to question reality and performance. Watching this movie was like a dream, that combines different elements and events that don’t seem to fit together at first and invites us to interpret them in our own way.