Key Highlights
- The Moment by Charli XCX delves into themes of identity and self-deprecation in the entertainment industry.
- Charli XCX’s top films on Letterboxd include works by David Cronenberg and Abel Ferrara, showcasing her cinephilia.
- The film connects to a long tradition of movies exploring the relationship between pop stardom and cinematic credibility, notably with Madonna’s Desperately Seeking Susan.
- Pop stars like Charli XCX are often faced with balancing authentic expression with calculated self-deprecation in their performances.
The Legacy of Pop Star Cinema Lives On: Charli XCX’s The Moment
You might think this is new, but…
Charli XCX, the pop star known for her catchy hits and quirky persona, has ventured into cinema with The Moment. It’s a paranoid fantasy about the perils of social media scrutiny, directed by Aidan Zamiri. The film serves as a display for XCX’s burgeoning acting talents, though it veers into caricature towards the end.
A Cinematic Career in Progress
XCX is, at least, probably the most world-famous person whose Letterboxd is actually worth following; her top four include titles by Cronenberg and Ferrara. Her performance in The Moment, though credible as a somnambulist, walks a fine line between authentic solipsism and calculated self-deprecation.
“She may not have much movie experience,” wrote The New Yorker’s Richard Brody of her indie film Erupcja, “but she dominates the action with classical canniness.”
A Tradition of Pop Stardom Meets Cinema
The Moment connects to a long tradition of movies attempting to thread the needle between pop stardom and cinematic credibility. For instance, Rosanna Arquette’s presence in Desperately Seeking Susan, Madonna’s pre-superstardom role, invokes the same tension.
In 1985, Madonna was dating Warren Beatty; his cameo in Truth or Dare highlights the project’s risk and the behind-the-scenes drama it entails. Keshishian’s documentary-style approach, despite Beatty’s objections, captures the star’s process and artful obfuscation.
The Ambiguity of Artistic Expression
The Moment is a comedy of identity crisis: Call it Desperately Seeking Charli or Truth or Dare. It explores how pop stars balance authenticity with calculated self-deprecation. The film’s ending, sweetly bleak and sincerely cynical, manages to conjoin defiance and deference.
“The greatest performances by pop stars are the ones that retain an element of surprise,” wrote critic Adam Nayman. “Charli has a ways to go on that front, but she’s making the most of playing catch-up.”
In conclusion, The Moment is a step in Charli XCX’s artistic journey, connecting her pop star persona with the complexities of cinematic credibility.
