Holy Motors

Denis Lavant's performance is absolutely central to 'Holy Motors', providing the indispensable thread that binds its disparate elements together. He navigates an astonishing range of characters with remarkable physicality and emotional depth, making each transformation believable, however bizarre. Whether embodying a pained father, a grotesque creature, or a regal businessman, Lavant’s presence is magnetic. His ability to convey profound interiority while inhabiting such varied exteriors is what allows the film's ambitious concept to resonate on a human level, anchoring the surrealism in a compelling performance.

The title 'Holy Motors' hints at the crucial role of vehicles within the film. These are not merely modes of transport but are integral to the protagonist's transformative journey. The cars serve as mobile chambers where identities are shed and adopted, acting as liminal spaces between lives. They are the tools of the protagonist's trade, facilitating their passage through different realities. The 'motors' themselves become symbolic of the relentless forward motion of existence and the mechanical nature of the roles individuals are compelled to play.

'Holy Motors' is certainly not a straightforward narrative, and its meaning is open to interpretation. The film prioritises atmosphere, visual poetry, and thematic resonance over explicit plot points. Viewers who appreciate abstract cinema and are comfortable with ambiguity will likely find it rewarding. Those seeking a clear beginning, middle, and end might find it challenging. Its power lies in its ability to evoke feelings and ideas, inviting personal reflection on the multifaceted nature of human identity and existence.

'Holy Motors' offers a truly unconventional and often bewildering viewing experience. It eschews traditional storytelling for a series of vignettes that are visually striking and thematically rich. Expect a film that challenges your perceptions, provoking thought rather than providing easy answers. It's a cinematic puzzle box that rewards patience and an open mind, immersing the viewer in a dreamlike, sometimes nightmarish, landscape of shifting realities. The film is designed to linger in the mind long after the credits roll.

Finding 'Holy Motors' for viewing in Australia might require a bit of exploration given its art-house nature. While specific streaming availability can fluctuate, it's often found on niche streaming platforms catering to independent and international cinema. Checking services like MUBI or looking for rental options on digital storefronts like Google Play or Apple TV is a good starting point. Otherwise, keep an eye on announcements for special screenings at independent cinemas, which occasionally revive such cult classics for dedicated audiences.

The film's central figure, portrayed by Denis Lavant, is a character of profound mystery. We witness them embodying a vast array of identities – a murderer, a beggar, a company chairman, a monstrous creature, a worker, and a family man, among others. This being appears to be a solitary entity, moving from one existence to the next with a detached, almost clinical purpose, reminiscent of an assassin transitioning between assignments. Their true nature and motivations remain deliberately obscure, contributing to the film's unique and thought-provoking atmosphere.

At its heart, 'Holy Motors' presents a surreal exploration of identity over a single, extraordinary 24-hour period. The film follows a protagonist who inhabits multiple, disparate lives, shifting from one persona to another with unsettling fluidity. It's less about a linear narrative and more about an existential journey, questioning the nature of existence and the roles we play. The central enigma lies in this being's constant transformation, moving through a spectrum of human (and perhaps not-so-human) experiences as if undertaking a series of assigned tasks.