‘All About Corinne’ Review: Isabelle Huppert Stalks Sandrine Kiberlain in a Witty, Deliciously Acted French Industry Satire
Marc Fitoussi’s French comedy casts Isabelle Huppert as Corinne, a veteran extra still hoping for a breakthrough, and Sandrine Kiberlain as a heightened version of herself. Their roles turn the actresses’ very different public profiles into a joke about fame and visibility in the film industry, while adding a thread of sympathy to the satire.
Corinne tries to get noticed by established actresses, including Kiberlain, whose own agent says she seems detached from reality. Months after Kiberlain accepts a recording of Corinne’s favourite Chilean play, Corinne discovers that Kiberlain is starring in it on stage and confronts her. A wary friendship follows, as Corinne seeks access to the top and Kiberlain hopes to appear more down to earth; the film began its festival run as Locarno’s closing-night selection, with further gala screenings in Toronto and Busan.
- Isabelle Huppert plays a veteran extra longing to be recognised.
- Sandrine Kiberlain stars as a comic version of herself.
- Their uneasy bond satirises fame and image-making in French cinema.
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Film extras perform small background roles, often without speaking, while hoping for larger parts. The film industry can reward persistence and visibility, but recognition is hard to secure, especially for performers outside the spotlight.
Isabelle Huppert plays Corinne, a veteran extra seeking a breakthrough, while Sandrine Kiberlain plays an exaggerated version of herself. Their characters’ uneasy connection explores fame, ambition and how public images can differ from private lives.
The story uses comedy to examine who gets noticed and who has influence in French cinema. Its festival screenings place it within an international circuit where films are presented to audiences and industry figures.