The circus is a favourite backdrop for films that are anything but festive. In Sophie Blondy’s second feature, she introduces a motley mix of characters who are bound together in obscure ways.
The story is set in a depressing town on the French coast, where the performances are held in front of half-empty benches. The real excitement is primarily outside the circus tent, where the sad clown Elliot (Holy Motors’ Denis Lavant) has an affair with ballerina Angèle, to the fury of the circus director Heroy – who will stop at nothing to conquer the object of his love.
Apart from being plagued by the director, Elliot is also tormented by his silent yet eloquent conscience, surprisingly played by Iggy Pop. And in The Morning Star we also see Béatrice ‘Betty Blue’ Dalle, in her typecast role of flamboyant gypsy soothsayer.
Film details
- Country of production
- France
- Year
- 2012
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2013
- Length
- 98'
- Medium/Format
- DCP
