CQ

“CQ” (2001) is a visually stylish and quirky film directed by Roman Coppola. It features an ensemble cast that includes Jeremy Davies, Angela Lindvall, Gérard Depardieu, Élodie Bouchez, Giancarlo Giannini, Massimo Ghini, Jason Schwartzman, and Dean Stockwell. The film blends comedy, drama, and science fiction elements, set against the backdrop of the late 1960s Parisian film industry.

The story follows Paul Ballard (Jeremy Davies), a young American film editor and aspiring filmmaker in Paris. Paul is juggling his mundane day job editing a sci-fi B-movie called “Codename: Dragonfly” with his personal project, a black-and-white documentary capturing his thoughts and life in Paris.

“Codename: Dragonfly” is a high-concept, visually extravagant film within the film, centered on the character Dragonfly (Angela Lindvall), a sexy and enigmatic secret agent tasked with saving the world from a futuristic threat. The production is helmed by the flamboyant and eccentric director Andrézej (Gérard Depardieu), whose vision for the film is grand but disorganized. When Andrézej is abruptly fired by the producer Enzo Di Martini (Giancarlo Giannini), Paul is unexpectedly promoted from editor to director, given the daunting task of finishing the movie.

As Paul steps into the director’s chair, he becomes increasingly drawn into the chaotic world of “Codename: Dragonfly.” He becomes enamored with the film’s star, Valentine (Angela Lindvall), who plays Dragonfly, blurring the lines between his professional responsibilities and personal fantasies. His infatuation with Valentine and the character she portrays starts to influence his creative decisions as he struggles to balance his artistic vision with the commercial demands of the production.

Complicating matters further is Paul’s relationship with his girlfriend, Marlene (Élodie Bouchez), a Frenchwoman growing increasingly frustrated with his obsession with the film and his neglect of their relationship. Paul’s divided attention leads to tension and emotional conflict, highlighting his inner turmoil as he tries to find his own voice as a filmmaker.

Throughout the film, Paul’s journey is punctuated by encounters with a variety of eccentric characters, including Felix DeMarco (Jason Schwartzman), a fellow filmmaker and friend who offers dubious advice, and Dr. Ballard (Dean Stockwell), Paul’s father, who appears in dreamlike sequences providing cryptic guidance.

As Paul delves deeper into the making of “Codename: Dragonfly,” he grapples with the industry pressures, his creative aspirations, and his personal life. The film culminates in visually stunning and surreal sequences reflecting Paul’s internal struggle and artistic evolution. Ultimately, “CQ” is a whimsical and nostalgic homage to 1960s cinema, lifting directly from several Italian mondo films of the period; it explores themes of creativity, ambition, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.