Habib is a struggling Muslim actor hired to play a small role in a play - Francis of Asissi. He knows it is a minor part but still insists on the highest standards for him to work within. Some would call this delusions of grandure, others simply vicious ambition.
He's offered a part to play a gigolo, and refuses out of morals, but learns who his co star will be, which is enough to convince him. He watches a moment from Umbrellas of Cherbourg and we know this is his chance to work alongside one of the all time most iconic European actresses Catherine Deneuve - the continental Audrey Hepburn. Amazingly she actually makes a cameo appearance.
Withour being particularly engaging or artistic, I did like this film. There are racial undertones amongst the serious points made here, but mostly it lovingly pokes fun at the plight of amateur actors and the fickle film industry - with this satirical vein and it's comic tone there were moments that felt like the work of the Coens.
As if the Umbrellas of Cherbourg reference wasn't enough, there is a brief mention of Kubrick's masterful Barry Lyndon towards the end - which is enough on its own to make me smile.
3.5 out of 5
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