User reviews

I am speechless!

Erm......seriously I have no idea what i just watched?

This has got to be one of the most unusual, disturbing, weird and completely bonkers film that I've seen in a while. The first 30 minutes of the film are the best for me, felt more a "standard" horror/thriller setup. However this film takes so many bizarre twists and turns which I'm not sure all worked. Trust me you have a lot of questions after seeing this film.

Visually stunning I must say though and I love the fact that this is a really ballsy film, 100% original for that matter!! However I think it might have helped if now and then it was just a little boring or normal hahaha!

I mean its an experience I wont forget but then again I wont rush to see this film again any time soon, I think I need to let my brain process this all. I completely understand why a lot of people would hate this film, it really is not for everyone!!

70% out of 100, I'm stunned and shocked how this turned out and the fact that someone thought of this idea for a film.........are they ok? Hahahah!!

I don't really know what I just watched. It was incredibly weird, but nevertheless watchable. In fact, I might even go as far as to say it was mesmerizing.

I'm sure there were some really deep themes, of which I could glean only a handful. But maybe that's a lacking in myself. These themes - as far as I could make out - include love and loss, rage, psychosis, and identity. Even a slight hint of incest.

But there are still a couple of pretty pertinent things that remain a mystery. Big mysteries!

I would recommend this film to those who want to lose themselves in one woman's psychedelic / psychotic journey, or for those who enjoy analyzing and could possibly apply meaning to scenes and images that I don't think were included for fun, but which I can't work out.

Nevertheless, I would recommend people check it out - if only for the originality and creativity. It won't be for everyone. It starts off rather sedately and then gets deeper and deeper into the bizarre. Personally, I love cinema that pushes boundaries and dares to be different - even if it fails, which this one definitely doesn't.

So be brave. Try something new. Expect to be challenged, and perhaps even a little offended, and definitely expect to see something different.

And I can't sign off without congratulating the performance of the two leads - Agathe Rousselle and Vincent Lindon. Both did brilliant jobs, especially Agathe since this was her feature film debut.

Original. Daring. But doesn't quite gel.

I am writing a review after ages. Perhaps it's a sign of a good movie that provoked this response. Or perhaps it's just appreciation for a director who really did go for it. Ducarnau demonstrated the Cronenbergesque body horror and satire in her first feature film. Titane has confirmed that she is definitely could be the next champion of extremely physical movies. Film reminds of themes of Crash ( 1996 ) and to some extent Videodrome ( 1983 ) .

Keeping the cryptic and puzzling aspects aside, it's a basic story of finding closure and a place in this world, when you have ambiguous intimacy / sexuality, distorted physicality, suppressed emotions and childhood trauma.

Ducarnau is however not quiet able to meet the ambition of ideas she is putting down on canvas. There is rather drastic shifts in tone of movie, which can be confusing. There is no harm in mixing genres but I felt a bit lost in parts of second half.

The shock values of the scenes ( and they are shocking ) wears off once you are no longer sure of motives of players especially when you are not totally buying into it. In first 15 min, the film hits such high note that the twists and turns that follow almost negate the impact.

I would say if you are looking for a provocative film, this is the one. However, keep an open mind. Titane is ambitious but it's not able to live up to its potential.

From the opening scene, Titane continuously doubles down on its own outrageous absurdity until it suddenly pulls back. You go from watching a thriller, to body horror, to something that has a lot to say about what it means to be family. Specifically, what it means to be family in action, not just by blood or oil. Titane somehow addresses gender fluidity, the role of parents to support and accept, the male ego slipping as bodies and testosterone age away, and the opportunity to choose a family not given to you by birth all while bombarding the screen with gore and squirm inducing violence. You find you cannot look away from these disturbing images partly because of how beautifully Titane presents them and partly because they all have something to say. Even though the film may retreat too far from its own deliriousness in the second half, it comes speeding back just in time for a finale that will have you guessing until its last push. Strap in because Titane is one hell of a ride.

The first 20 minutes or so of 'Titane' are about as off the wall bonkers as you'll ever see in a film. It got to the point where I was wondering if they were intending to keep that pace and insanity up for the runtime of the film. Things do settle down a bit from there on out (at least comparatively) but man that was a wild set up.

I felt I had a reasonably strong grip on what the film was going for, but I did watch a Youtube explanation video just to be sure. It was similar to what I thought but did point out a few things I had missed or misinterpreted. Beneath all the insanity there are certainly some layers of intelligence.

Agathe Rousselle in the lead role gives a quite incredible performance. Her transformation alone is stunning. But also the intensity and fascination she is able to attract is something this project couldn't have done without.

This is one of those extremely unique films that you will likely never see anything like again. I'd say it's not a film that is going to be to everyone's liking. But if you have the right mind-frame (and stomach) for it then give it a crack. Strap yourself in though, it's a bump ride. 7/10.

This story did not draw me in. Upon first watch, it was very confusing. After taking some time to understand it better, I would say it just wasn't for me. I did not enjoy the lead performances; I did not find either character likeable or interesting, and in fact, I wanted them off the screen whenever I saw them. I didn't care about what either of them were trying to accomplish. For me, this movie just kept going and going. I don't think any part of it had any interest for me. I am not sure why I reacted this way; I suppose it's a matter of preference. A big letdown.

I am a fan of arthouse cinema. I enjoy weird and strange. Anything non-standard and original intrigues me. I have seen virtually every film ever made that has been labelled as shocking or controversial. "Titane" purports to be all those things... but it fails on all levels. I found the film slow and empty. I thought it was shock over substance... and the shock was timid and pointless. It is the kind of cinema that thinks it is deep and meaningful, but has very little to say at all.

Titane is a lot, and while I can't claim to know exactly what I just watched, I can tell it was about a lot, and every topic and theme it did tackle throughout its bizarre and unique premise was very interesting, to say the least.

It's compelling throughout, shot well, has two strong lead performances, and some imagery that's very memorable, for better or worse.

The less I describe the plot the better, because I'd sound like a crazy person if I tried. You can always tell what's going on at a base level, but the premise itself - and the events of the narrative - are wild and unhinged.

Saw it at the theatres by myself- there's no one I could think of that would be into it, and I didn't really want to subject family/friends to something I'd heard was pretty messed up. There were a couple of older people at the cinema who made shocked noises every time something violent/weird happened, which was pretty often.

I might've preferred Ducournau's previous film Raw a little more (which might not be a popular opinion), but this was a strong follow up, and will prove to be one of 2021's most memorable films.

(Also loved hearing Future Islands in the soundtrack during one important scene. They're a great band)

Titane is the craziest movie of 2021. With a wonderful first act (maybe the biggest cinematic event of the year), the film wrap the viewer in a story that mixes bodily horror with the psychological madness of human beings. Through the various breaks in expectations, Ducournau seems to play with the viewer's intellect because when think they're understanding which way the story is heading, everything gets more confused, leading him to ask himself: What the f... is going on?

However, the first act is so attractive that it works like a main course, from a spectacular menu, at the beginning of the meal and having difficulty keeping up the pace from the second act until the end of the feature. But don't kid yourself! The film doesn't keeps boring, never, because the director bets on the psychological thriller that belongs a possible revelation of the protagonist and making the climate increasingly cold and dangerous.

Guided by the brilliant Agathe Rousselle's performance, Titane envelops the viewer in a psychotic wildness together with the characters, delivering even more madness as a climax. I still can't say if I liked the movie (there are many eccentric elements thrown on top of each other), but I can say: Titane is not a bad movie and deserves to be watched, even though it is often unavoidable to turn your face so you don't see what goes on in the screen. I'm serious: Some scenes are simply disturbing, in the most varied contexts.

So Titane does not make the profile that pleases the Academy and should not win the Best International Film's category. However, it would be absurd for Titane not to be awarded whit a nomination. Ducournau's work also deserves attention too: It would not be unfair to imagine that she can also be contemplated with this visibility in the Best Director's category of the Oscars. And I don't need to talk about Agatha's acting, she is the heart of this movie with brilliance! What an actress!

I think there is no point in trying to judge or rate this film. Even though I am doing it in order to post something. It's as if the Wario version of Kill Bill went on a date with Lars von Trier. Then they went to a club, met Cronenberg, Lynch and the Toxic Avenger and they all took Ketamine. I would call it a masterpiece but I have a little issues about the violence. I can accept it, because it's art. But where does it stop? It is a disturbing film and I liked it. This is a thing people will talk about for a long long time. Also I am confused now. In terms of how the narrative is unfolded it reminded me of dogtooth from Lanthimos. The shifting of elements of a narrative in a film and replacing them by something else. It's Dada. Is this only making sense to me ?

I didn't read anything about this movie, I heard it could make it onto the Oscar's long list so gave it a go.

Immediately you realise this small girl has "issues" not sure what, but all becomes clear after a few minutes.

She has a car accident and needs a titanium implant in her skull, this accident clearly leaves a cathartic impression on her and cars which caused her injury.

We then see her as an adult , a car fanatic and erotic dancer famous around Europe' car and custom shows.

Extreme scenes , those with needle phobias will need to look away a few times.

On the run, finds a firefighter who is looking for his son who went missing 10 years ago, both had needs and make a weirdly suitable match.

If it were a crime drama it would be clear A-B storyline, but the writers added a twist which you really have to get your head around. I won't say what it would spoil it for you, just to say it's weird.

Extremely compelling viewing, if you were to put the movies "Eraserhead, Christine and Backdraft into a blender this is the movie you would end up with.

I liked it.

I suspect Titane was also made not to engage but for us to observe which is quite a risky thing to do but the fantastical plot elements and sheer nuttiness of Titane are enough - it is an art house film in that it explores themes rather than follows a strong narrative. It is also therefore not strictly any genre and with such a lot going on it would be a thankless task to pin it down in this way. It's best viewed as a spectacle and almost a mirror on some of societies darker undersides! I loved it as it represented a very 21st century approach to writing which it admirably pulls off.

*Watched at Cannes 2021*

Containing some of the most disgusting and in-your-face grisliness that has ever graced the silver screen, Julia Ducournau's "Titane" holds you like a vice grip from minute one, refusing to let you go no matter how much you squirm. The experience of watching the film can borderline on torture, as violent punishment is enacted in ways that can only be seen to believe. The screening of the film at the Cannes Film Festival resulted in several walkouts within the first fifteen minutes, of which I do not blame certain viewers who are squeamish. Those that can stomach the film will be rewarded with an exhilarating story about acceptance and companionship told by one of the most original emerging filmmakers.

A newcomer to the film scene, the French auteur (a status she has achieved in my books) Julia Ducournau is the complete opposite of the stereotype of the woman director. She made her debut feature in 2016 with "Raw," a story about womanhood and repression that just so happened to contain the element of cannibalism. Like David Lynch and David Cronenberg, Ducournau confidently confounded her audiences with her bold take on a story as old as cinema itself. "Titane" is proof that "Raw" was not a stroke of beginner's luck and that she is the real deal.

Translated from the French word for titanium, "Titane" follows the life of Alexia, who immediately causes a severe car crash within her first few minutes on screen. This leaves the girl with a metal plate implanted within her head (which is gruesomely illustrated) and a twisted attraction to the vehicle involved in the accident. Like the characters within Cronenberg's "Crash," Alexia can't seem to help herself from being allured by vehicular and sexual violence.

After physically recovering from her injuries over the years, Alexia (now played by the self-assured newcomer Agathe Rousselle) now works as an exotic dancer at a car show (very fitting). Through a nearly seven-minute long take, Ducournau traverses the show filled with neon lighting and an electric score. Cinematographer Ruben Impens, reteaming with Ducournau after "Raw," shoots the film in harshly contrasting light, often blinding the viewer with lens flares. From this car show, Alexia quickly succumbs to her violent tendencies, forcing her to go on the run, but not without horrifically mangling her face so it would be harder to identify her. This brings her in contact with the local fire chief (a steroid-infused Vincent Lindon), who later turns out to be just as demented as she is, making them a match made in hell.

Throughout several instances within "Titane," audiences have to give themselves over to Ducournau's vision and accept the logical fallacies, which nitpickers could have a field day with. To be fair, a literal Cadillac becomes sexually involved with a human in the first fifteen minutes, so the laws of reality (and anatomy) were thrown out the window from the get-go.

Like "Raw," Ducournau is able to relay a positive message that sticks with you just as much as the gore. Through their interactions, Alexia and the chief find a common emotional ground that brings them together through both lies and deceit.

However, a problem that occasionally appears is what exactly Ducournau wants you to feel as too many elements come crashing together at odd times. The film wants you to focus on several different storylines at the same time, some of which don't amount to much and could be classified as red herrings. Still, once you cut through the clutter, there's enough treasure to reward your patience.

"Titane" requires a lot from the viewer, such as mental fortitude and an iron gut. It's an uncompromising vision that bites off more than it can chew from time to time but still sticks the landing due to the duo performances from Rousselle and Lindon, and the boldness by Ducournau to go where no one would dare. Just make sure to watch it on an empty stomach.

Ugly, boringly slow and pointless movie. The fact that critics like it is unexplainable. The fact that Ms. Ducournau won Palme d'Or is just sad. This movie is rare example of time wasting. Actors had a hard work and I do not envy them, but to no avail. Mere curiosity kept me watching in searching for an answer what the hell is going on. Is it story about Vincent? About Alexia? Maybe about Adrien? (Who are these people? Character development is very lousy). About cars? About firefighters? Serial killer story? Part of campaign against modern medicine? All of that? Or just nothing?

Critics were obviously naively impressed with something, they thought, must have sense, must be very artistic if it is so radical. No, it must not. It is just a snuff.

It was crazy in the sweetest way possible, it's crazy. Julia Ducournau crafted a really unique movie, with multiple really interesting and thought provoking themes. Titane is surrounded by a mysterious aura, because not much is revealed about the plot in general, so I went into this film completely blind and oh boy, what a ride.

Tough movie. . . It starts with provocative scenes, to evolve into a transformation of the protagonist in an image that resembles nothing we have seen before. . .

In a role of a violent and self-destructive personality that mutates during the play, the actress manages to convey the pain, despair and cruelty to others.

What does "Titane" have in common with films like "Parasite", "Amour", "Elephant", "The Pianist", "Pulp Fiction", and "Barton Fink". You guessed right; they're all winners of the Palme d'Or head price at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. What else does "Titane" in common with the other films? Well, absolutely nothing, because all the others are genuine cinematic masterpieces that deserved to win a great price, whereas this film is nothing but a confusing, chaotic, and pretentious mess.

I honestly can't figure out why the Cannes' jury decided to let "Titane" win. Maybe because it's a French film at a French festival? Maybe because the director is a woman? Maybe because it's hip to pretend liking so-called elevated horror movies? Or maybe - and this is the likeliest option - those jury members saw a true masterpiece and I'm missing the point entirely once again.

"Titane" feels like David Cronenberg meets Takashi Miike, but then times infinity. It's body horror to the extreme, with the lead girl - Alexia - having a severe fetish for dancing sensually on rooftop of vehicles, and actually having sex WITH cars. We can only assume her weird fetish originates from a terribly car accident she was involved in as a child, which also caused for her to go through life with a metal plate in her skull. She's also a relentless serial killer, and to remain at large she takes the identity of a boy that went missing a decade ago. She moves in with her new father in his fire department station and must desperately conceal she's pregnant from a rusty old car.

In case this summary already makes you go WTF, just wait until you witness the full film. There's plenty of more senseless and incoherent nonsense where this came from. Admittedly, there are a handful of very powerful and genuinely shocking moments in "Titane", as well as good performances and a thoroughly uncanny atmosphere. Still, the good moments cannot compensate for the overload of pompous guff. I can't stand movies in which none of the characters can act or reactive rationally or even half-normal, nor wannabe art-house flicks that don't properly finish storylines or provide any sort of explanations.

In all fairness, the Palme d'Or should have gone to Paul Verhoeven's "Benedetta".

I was going to give this a 9 out of 10, but then I thought ... why not go all the way. Something the movie does occasionally. Something that takes the term "car lover" to a whole new level. And it has things that you cannot possibly explain ... in the real world. With a main character who has quite the issues. Her introduction alone is ... well more than note-worthy. She is being annoying to say the least - poor father.

And then you feel sorry for her ... until you realize ... maybe you shouldn't. Or maybe you should - because for every broken character, there is another broken character who might be the piece of the puzzle that is missing, to make them complete.

There are many things here that are not spoken out aloud. But we know ... we know because while you could say they are subtle ... we know! And the characters know too! We know what happened to a boy that is "missing" for 10 years ... we are shown what happened to him. It is not said - and it is not necessary for anyone to actually spell it out.

We know that in the scene in the woods/forest ... well actually we do not know if or to what degree that was "planned" ... an accident. But we know or rather expect it to happen. Not much is being said in the aftermath about it.

There is so much to unpack here ... and I haven't even touched the surface - no pun intended. You know what I mean if you've seen the movie. Touching that subject of service: a lot of nudity in this one. And a lot of scenes that may cause you to feel sick. The scenes are sick, they are meant to provoke a reaction out of you. But they are also always topped off with a touch of comedy (relief).

Now you may think I'm mad saying that, considering certain things that happen - and in the real world I would agree that it would be hard to see any "fun" in things that happen here ... but this is a movie. And our main character is not a heroine! No the movie makes it clear - she is almost derived of a moral compass.

This is a crazy movie for sure - the question is, if you are up for it. If you can dig the broken characters in this - and stay detached but also invested in the fate of those involved ... I know, but if you go with the flow ... well what a great movie to see.

I know what "Titane" is trying to do, and I recognize that it has some things to say about motherhood and gender roles, but it's one of those movies that's so off putting that I've given up on it before it gets around to its message.

I'm always annoyed by films that try to test me to see how much endurance I have for their grossness. It's like having someone invite you to a party and then spend the whole time trying to see how much obnoxiousness you can stand before you decide to leave. The second half of "Titane" finally gets around to some interesting business, and some emotional depth begins to develop in the characters, but by that point I was so turned off by the film's disgusting vibe that the pay off was minimal.

I didn't much like this same director's film "Raw" either, so maybe it's time for me to decide that this filmmaker isn't for me.

Grade: C+

Most years, I start with a desire to see a wider variety of films at the cinema than previously. Usually it doesn't last, but it was in this spirit that I went to see Palme D'or winner "Titane" as it was released in UK cinemas. Even having had a couple of days to ruminate on it, I'm not sure exactly how I feel about it.

Having suffered a terrible car accident as a child, Alexia (Agathe Rousselle) now dances seductively at motor shows to an appreciative audience. Following a violent encounter with a fan, she returns to the building and has sex with one of the cars. She flees the town, changing her appearance and binding her body, claiming to be the long-lost son of firefighter Vincent (Vincent Lindon). Vincent tries to reach his "son" with various acts of kindness, but the physical act of binding her body is taking a toll on Alexia, that only worsens as she discovers she's pregnant.

I suppose the key questions are thus. Did I enjoy "Titane"? No. I don't think I was necessarily supposed to though. It's a hard film. The juxtaposition of the fantasy elements of the first 30 minutes and the, occasionally quite touching, scenes between Vincent and Alexia is stark. There's certainly a version of this film that could entirely ignore the idea that literally she has sex with a car, that would work just as well, but this isn't that. Which leads me to believe that the car aspect must mean something, but if it does, I didn't get it. This leads me to my second question, did I then get an insight into something? Again, not really. Darren Aranofsky's "mother!" was a similarly tough watch, but at least I came to get that it was allegorical. I don't feel like "Titane" can make a similar claim, indeed I've read an interview with Julia Ducournau that explicitly says that it's a fairy story and your supposed to accept the events happened as laid out.

This is not to say that I felt the film was entirely without merit. The performances are really good, particularly from Agathe Rousselle in what is her first feature film. The body horror elements are well done and at the very least you can't argue with Ducournau's singular vision for the film. There are little touches in the background of the story, that suggest a bigger narrative that you're not explicitly seeing, and I do like that faith in the audience to pick up on that. The connection between Vincent and Alexia is interesting. I suspect he knows from the start that it's not his son that he's bringing home, but he's so destroyed by grief he is happily blind to it.

I am, as you might be able to tell from the review, conflicted about my feelings about the film, but still thinking about it days later.