Claire Denis is one of the most well-known French auteur filmmakers. Her films often touch upon certain social and political themes but through her point of view. "Stars at Noon" is no exception and demonstrates clever camerawork, a beautiful soundtrack, and fascinating cinematography. Apart from the technical elements, the film is rather average and quite messy. Fortunately, the messiness of the film was evened out by thrilling scenes, where my heart pounded with excitement and anxiety.
Trish is an alcoholic, promiscuous con-woman, trying to survive by illegally purchasing counterfeited money from the black market. Also, she prostitutes herself, insofar as being recognized as a nymphomaniac. During the heavily eroticized scenes, the spectator is reduced to the role of the voyeur.
Little is known about Daniel's intentions and no reason was given to why and for what he was arrested for. Daniel is a British businessman who presumably works for an oil company. Trish and Daniel meet at a hotel bar and have quite a meet-cute moment. Their conversation is instantly sparked with sexual innuendo.
I wonder how different the film would be if Robert Pattinson was available to portray the character of Daniel. Nevertheless, Margaret Qualley and Joe Alwyn shared great chemistry together.
Nicaragua is a third world country, deeply ingrained in corruption and drug smuggling. The film does a great job at portraying an impoverished, desperate, and corrupt nation on the precipice of collapse and complete chaos. Daniel wanted to seemingly rig the Nicaraguan elections, in order to make life better for people. The scene where Daniel's taxi driver was brutally murdered by the Costa Rican police was extremely gruesome. They literally shoved Daniel's traceable phone down the driver's throat. Human beings are a cruel species.
The film can be criticized for being overlong and dragged out. In my opinion, it should have devoted less of its runtime on romance and put more emphasis on the conflict between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Also, Daniel's purpose for being in Nicaragua was ignored. The film should have delved more into the diplomatic crisis facing Daniel.
To conclude, "Stars at Noon" left me feeling confused and in an utter state of contemplation. By the end of the movie, I had more questions than answers. Claire Denis sought it out to make the message and character motivations of the film open to interpretation.
Other tidbits:
*The movie is based on the 1986 novel by Denis Johnson. I found it quite strange that masks were also worn during filming. "Stars at Noon" is apparently set during the Covid-19 pandemic. Apart from that, Claire Denis draws much of her inspiration from the novel. Heck, Trish's surname is even revealed to be Johnson.
Final verdict: 5.8/10.
Trish is an alcoholic, promiscuous con-woman, trying to survive by illegally purchasing counterfeited money from the black market. Also, she prostitutes herself, insofar as being recognized as a nymphomaniac. During the heavily eroticized scenes, the spectator is reduced to the role of the voyeur.
Little is known about Daniel's intentions and no reason was given to why and for what he was arrested for. Daniel is a British businessman who presumably works for an oil company. Trish and Daniel meet at a hotel bar and have quite a meet-cute moment. Their conversation is instantly sparked with sexual innuendo.
I wonder how different the film would be if Robert Pattinson was available to portray the character of Daniel. Nevertheless, Margaret Qualley and Joe Alwyn shared great chemistry together.
Nicaragua is a third world country, deeply ingrained in corruption and drug smuggling. The film does a great job at portraying an impoverished, desperate, and corrupt nation on the precipice of collapse and complete chaos. Daniel wanted to seemingly rig the Nicaraguan elections, in order to make life better for people. The scene where Daniel's taxi driver was brutally murdered by the Costa Rican police was extremely gruesome. They literally shoved Daniel's traceable phone down the driver's throat. Human beings are a cruel species.
The film can be criticized for being overlong and dragged out. In my opinion, it should have devoted less of its runtime on romance and put more emphasis on the conflict between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Also, Daniel's purpose for being in Nicaragua was ignored. The film should have delved more into the diplomatic crisis facing Daniel.
To conclude, "Stars at Noon" left me feeling confused and in an utter state of contemplation. By the end of the movie, I had more questions than answers. Claire Denis sought it out to make the message and character motivations of the film open to interpretation.
Other tidbits:
*The movie is based on the 1986 novel by Denis Johnson. I found it quite strange that masks were also worn during filming. "Stars at Noon" is apparently set during the Covid-19 pandemic. Apart from that, Claire Denis draws much of her inspiration from the novel. Heck, Trish's surname is even revealed to be Johnson.
Final verdict: 5.8/10.