Irma Vep is a 1996 French film directed by Olivier Assayas. The film follows Maggie Cheung, a famous Hong Kong actress who is cast as the lead in a remake of the classic French silent film Les Vampires. However, when she arrives in Paris to begin shooting, she finds herself caught up in the chaos of the French film industry.
Cheung plays a fictionalized version of herself, and is portrayed as an aloof and somewhat mysterious figure. She is unable to speak French and struggles to adapt to the unfamiliar surroundings and the eccentric personalities of the film crew. The director of the film, played by Jean-Pierre Léaud, is a washed-up veteran who has lost his touch and is struggling to hold things together.
The film takes a humorous and satirical look at the French film industry and the filmmaking process itself. It also explores issues of identity, cultural misunderstandings, and the challenges of working in a foreign environment. As Cheung becomes more involved in the production, she begins to question whether she is the right person for the role of Irma Vep, and whether she can truly connect with the French sense of culture and artistry.
Irma Vep is known for its stylish cinematography and unique blend of comedy and drama. It has become a cult classic and is considered one of the best films of the 1990s.