“CQ” is a dry but fun look into the world of filmmaking, and is also the directorial debut of Roman Coppola. Coppola, prior to his first film, was shooting music videos, mostly for the band Presidents of the United States of America. Sometimes slow and short of story at times, Coppola saves this debut with some amazing technical work, most likely picked up from watching his father directing back in the day.
The story places Paul Ballard (Jeremy Davies) in Paris, France, 1969 where he’s editing a sci-fi spy film called “Dragonfly,” while also working on a film about his life. After the director’s obsession with the actress who plays Dragonfly begins to cloud his judgment and ability to film an exciting ending, he is promptly booted from the movie and Paul is instead pushed into his place.
Although the story is quite intriguing and exciting at times, I found myself becoming more interested and involved with the movies he was filming instead. I actually wanted to see “Dragonfly” and “69/70” as finished projects more than the ending of “CQ,” but it might be that aspect of the film that makes it good.
Coppola also offers us some very colorful characters that we never get to see ever again, like Felix de Marco, the first replacement director of the sci-fi film, played by Coppola’s cousin Jason Schwartzman, who portrays the flamboyant yet untalented filmmaker with such zest that he’s definitely worth seeing more than once.
While the acting here is mostly mediocre, and the story could use some serious polishing, Coppola’s “CQ,” which mirrors the likes of Fellini’s “1/2,” is a film that will be enjoyed by anyone looking for something a little different.
3 / 5 Stars
Starring: Jeremy Davies, Angela Lindvall, Jason Schwartzman, Élodie Bouchez, Gérard Depardieu, Giancarlo Giannini
Director: Roman Coppola
