The New York Times by A.O. Scott
Though finally overwhelmed by a preening lassitude, Hotel is never less than fascinating.
United Kingdom, Italy · 2001
Rated R · 1h 33m
Director Mike Figgis
Starring Max Beesley, Fabrizio Bentivoglio, Brian Bovell, Saffron Burrows
Genre Comedy
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While a British film crew are shooting a version of The Duchess of Malfi in Venice, they in turn are being filmed by a sleazy documentary prima donna while the strange staff share meals which consist of human meat. Then there is the hit man, the call girl and the Hollywood producer all managing to become part of the madness.
The New York Times by A.O. Scott
Though finally overwhelmed by a preening lassitude, Hotel is never less than fascinating.
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
Figgis still deserves credit for taking more artistic chances than a dozen ordinary directors.
Though Hotel has brilliant moments, and an energetic first half, it falls away badly in the later stages.
New York Daily News by Jack Mathews
Much talking, much sex, much to-do about nothing.
New York Post by Jonathan Foreman
Long stretches of Mike Figgis' film are jaw-droppingly pretentious or painfully dull... Nevertheless, there are clever, funny, erotic and visually beautiful moments scattered throughout the film.
Village Voice by Laura Sinagra
As usual, Figgis coaxes moon-shooting performances, but all the furious improv lacks any sort of map.
TV Guide Magazine by Maitland McDonagh
A train wreck of a film whose chaotic, partly improvised story and too-tricky mix of film stocks, image sizes, split-screen effects and color/B&W footage overwhelm some phenomenally beautiful sequences and a memorable performance by Saffron Burroughs.
Los Angeles Times by Manohla Dargis
Figgis certainly was after something different, but like "Timecode," in which four linked stories unwind in separate panels, Hotel proves to be a fundamentally insipid bid at experimental narrative.
Despite the bits that work brilliantly, the movie as a whole really only works as an experimental curiosity.
Surprisingly enjoyable, even if you'd hesitate to call it a complete success. Indeed, Figgis expects you to sit back and roll with the pleasurable moments.
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