[Guest Film Review] "Claire's Camera"

One fact about Hong Sang-soo's filmography is that he seems to shoot the same movie again and again with very few changes in all of the aspects that comprise his films. Another fact is that he does it so well, and that his virtues (mainly the composition and the ironic humor) are so evident, to the point that one finds himself wishing to see them all. This time, he made a few changes, as he decided to shoot in Cannes, include Isabelle Huppert in the cast, and have his actors speak English as much as Korean.

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"Claire's Camera" (Festival entry) is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival that will be on November 9-18

The story takes place during the Cannes festival, and begins with Nam Yang-hye, manager of director Hong Sang-soo, firing her assistant, Man-hee, supposedly for being dishonest and for not being able to trust her. However, a bit later, the truth of the matter is revealed as does the role of the Director. Man-hee, not being able to change her cheap ticket, is forced to stay in Cannes, and eventually meets Claire, a French teacher and poet, who roams the streets of the area, taking photos with her camera. A bit before that, though, Claire has also met the director and Yang-hye.

The usual motifs of Hong Sang-soo are present as always. The weak, alcoholic man (who is actually himself, more evident than ever this time), the drinking, the dysfunctional relationships between men and women, the slight surrealism, and as of late, Kim Min-hee, this time as Man-hee. Hong Sang-soo draws as much from her looks as possible (she is undeniably gorgeous), shooting her in very flattering settings and frames (not that she needs much), and having her on screen for the overwhelming majority of the scenes.

The presence of Isabelle Huppert as Claire induces the film with another "sense", as she presents Claire with a certain aloofness that fits the general aesthetics of the film greatly. Jung Jin-young as the Director is also great, presenting a constantly flirting, weak and alcoholic man, who seems to disregard the women around him, constantly. Hong's distinct sense of irony has its highlight in the scene where he meets Claire for the first time, as he presents a scene that, usually in romantic films, would be the spectacular beginning of a great love, but in this case is anything but, in realistic but also mocking fashion. At times, though, I felt that, particularly the Korean actors, were struggling to speak in English, and ended up appearing completely unnatural in a number of scenes.

The cinematography, as usually in Hong Sang-soo's productions, is great, with DP Lee Jin-keun taking advantage of the area and presenting a number of beautiful images in the narrow streets, the cafe and the restaurants, and the beach.

"Claire's Camera" is a film that fans of the director will definitely enjoy. However, at times it got me thinking what was its point, considering that this is the third production of a director who shoots similar films, in one year. I realize that the concept is some sort of tribute to Cannes and what occurs during festivals, but in just 69 minutes, the film does not have so much to say, despite its evident artistry and the entertainment it can offer.  

Review by Panos Kotzathanasis

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"Claire's Camera" is directed by Hong Sang-soo and features Isabelle Huppert, Kim Min-hee, Chang Mi-hee and Jung Jin-young.