Irma Vep: Essential Edition
By Ed Grant -- Video Business, 11/3/2008
ZEITGEISTStreet: Dec. 9
Prebook: Nov. 4
> Cat thief Maggie Cheung prowls Paris in this cult pic.
Olivier Assayas' 1996 post-mod masterwork concerns an eccentric filmmaker (Jean-Pierre Léaud) remaking a silent cliff-hanging serial with a Hong Kong star (Maggie Cheung). This second DVD edition of the film includes supplements that outline Assayas' philosophy of filmmaking and his fascination with Cheung (the two married and divorced after Irma). The audio commentary consists of a lengthy Assayas talk at the Pacific Film Archives that barely deals with the film. The other supplements, however, supply behind-the-scenes info while doting on Cheung as she prowls the roofs of Paris in the film's signature catsuit.
Shelf Talk: Irma did well for in its initial arthouse run, and it has acquired a dedicated following in the subsequent decade. Cheung in her catsuit is the undeniable initial lure, but cinemaniacs, not fetishists, will have the best time with this meditation on filmmaking.
Foreign-language comedy, color, NR (mature themes, nudity), 96 min., English and French with English subtitles, DVD $29.99Extras: commentary, featurette, “Man Yuk” short
Director: Olivier Assayas
First Run: L, Aug. 1997, <$1 mil.
