Femme Fatale
Plot
Femme Fatale is a 2002 action thriller film directed by Brian De Palma. The story follows Laure Ash (Rebecca Romijn), a former thief who has reinvented herself as a wealthy socialite married to a diplomat. However, her new life is turned upside down when a paparazzo captures her photo in Paris, revealing her true identity to the world. As Laure's past begins to catch up with her, she finds herself pursued by a group of ruthless mercenaries who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the $10 million diamond necklace she stole during her criminal days. Meanwhile, a detective named Carl Newton (Antonio Banderas) becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about Laure's past and bringing her to justice. As the stakes grow higher, Laure must use all of her wits and cunning to stay one step ahead of her pursuers and protect her newfound life. Along the way, she finds herself drawn to Carl, despite his determination to capture her. As the two engage in a cat-and-mouse game, they begin to uncover the truth about each other's pasts, leading to a thrilling showdown that will determine their ultimate fate. Throughout the film, De Palma expertly weaves together elements of suspense, action, and intrigue, creating a complex web of characters and plot twists. Romijn shines as the enigmatic Laure, bringing a sense of vulnerability and determination to her portrayal. Banderas is equally impressive as Carl, bringing a sense of gravity and intensity to his performance. Overall, Femme Fatale is a gripping and stylish thriller that explores the themes of identity, deception, and redemption. With its clever plot twists, memorable characters, and non-stop action, it's a must-see for fans of the genre.
Reviews
Ethan
My friend rented this on DVD, and I watched it twice. Honestly, I didn't understand it. I just came here to read the synopsis.
Rowan
(This film... after watching that lesbian erotic scene on iQiyi back then, it prematurely led me down a path of no return.) Seeing it marked by a friend and clicking in again, I remembered that my first encounter with a sex scene was the lesbian part of this movie. So even though I later confirmed that I'm a die-hard straight man, my sexual views have been open since childhood. I guess, as Lou Ye said, "Film is a bodily experience." This is the best and best way of knowing. No theory is needed, watching is enough.
Simon
The opening 20 minutes of <Femme Fatale> are simply brilliant. It begins with a zoom shot into screen reflections, followed by a long and intricate parallel montage. The camera movements are both free and meticulous, showcasing De Palma's fondness for split-screen compositions and seamless transitions. It's a prime example of building suspense purely through choreography and editing, all complemented by Ryuichi Sakamoto's score. The film's allusions to homosexuality and the blending of dreams and reality draw direct inspiration from <Mulholland Drive>, while its two-part structure is reminiscent of <Run Lola Run>. The protagonist, Laure, encountering a girl who looks exactly like her evokes the feeling of <The Double Life of Véronique>...
Catalina
Alright, here's the translated review: Movie: 3.5 stars. Ryuichi Sakamoto's score is absolutely incredible, especially at the beginning and end – it really elevates the film. However, the movie itself is classic De Palma: a brilliant opening followed by a muddled and ultimately nonsensical plot. The ending feels completely contrived and unconvincing. Honestly, the best you can do is enjoy the beautiful faces and figures. The opening, set during a Cannes premiere, is interesting, with its blend of East and West. Though, I must point out, the Palais des Festivals' women's restroom isn't to the left as you enter, and it's definitely not that spacious inside.
Amara
This gripping tale of greed, betrayal, and the pursuit of luxury is as thrilling as it is unpredictable. A perfect blend of glamour and danger, *Femme Fatale* keeps you on edge with its intense performances and shocking twists.
