Product Details

• Actors: Max Beesley, Saffron Burrows, Rhys Ifans, Salma Hayek, Fabrizio Bentivoglio
• Directors: Mike Figgis
• Writers: Mike Figgis, Heathcote Williams, John Webster
• Producers: Andrea Calderwood, Annie Stewart, Ernst Etchie Stroh, Lesley Stewart
• Format: NTSC
• Language: English, French, Italian
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Innovation Film Group (IFG)
• VHS Release Date: July 26, 2005
• Run Time: 93 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 2.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000B91N2Y
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #472,117 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

From The New Yorker

Mike Figgis continues to push the limits of digital filmmaking techniques, but this movie, a satirical look at a group of Dogme filmmakers in Venice, drags on the screen. The cast, which includes Rhys Ifans and David Schwimmer, never really develop a rhythm in their semi-improvised scenes. As in his previous movie "Timecode," Figgis uses low lighting and split screens to create an ambitious, postmodern narrative structure. The sexy, fractured storytelling sets up some fascinating parallels, but the film lacks the dark humor that would have leavened its own self-importance. -Bruce Diones
Copyright © 2006 The New Yorker

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Only If You Love Venice..., August 12, 2005

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hotel (DVD)

Mike Figgis makes a supersized attempt to be artsy in this meandering film. The problem is that the story is so flat because there is no one about whom we can care. After the first confusing messy thirty minutes (John Malkovich sitting behind prison bars at a dinner table for no apparent reason other than to offer insipid dialogue to an uncaring dinner guest list), I decided to just look at the screen for the color and the wild camera work. Venice looks great but the stodgy staging of 'The Duchess of Malfi' and the weak plot associated with it doesn't even begin to cover the creaks in this silly film. This one is only for the Figgis fans out there - and for Venice addicts who will put up with about anything to just 'feel' the Venetian glow. A Must Miss. Grady Harp, August 05

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Think WAY outside the box for this one, April 25, 2007

By 

Sasha (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hotel (DVD)

If you're an indie fan or like to explore uncharted cinematic territory, you will be entertained, puzzled and pensive during this film. With this movie, it's not the dialogue, the plot or any other typical production necessaries that pull the viewer into the chaos. Oddly placed comic moments, strange and intriguing situations, erotic overtones, bold subject presentation, and random progression held my attention. Not for the masses, Hotel provides a very unconventional ride. I know NO other film with which to compare this flick. Worth the watch. Just don't go in with expectations. It's weird, but has a pleasantly sinful aftertaste. (The meal at the very beginning with John Malcovich is priceless.)

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Hotel Schmotel, August 18, 2005

By 

Susie's Mummy "[e-mail]" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hotel (DVD)

The description on the movie jacket is totally misleading. It is not thrilling and it is not terrifying. The only scene of Venice you will see is St. Mark's Square. All-star cast? Yup, and I suppose they made the best of it, but then if I was paid big bucks to spend some time in Venice I would too... A horrible movie! A waste of 1hr. 51minutes.