Do you remember Dogme 95 or Dogma films as they were known in America? It was a way to make movies following a set of rules from directors Lars von Trier (Breaking The Waves) and Thomas Vinterberg (Mifume). The camera had to be handheld. All lighting must be practical like lamps in the room. There was no set dressing. No special effects or music that wasn’t being played by someone in the scene. The biggest thing was no director’s credits. Although we all know who made these films. Director Michael Figgis pokes fun of Dogme 95 in Hotel, a movie that features more famous faces than a Love Boat marathon.
A movie crew has showed up in Venice to film a Dogma version of The Dutchess of Malfi directed by Rhys Ifans (Notting Hills). Making things a bit more complicated is that Salma Hayek (Desperado) has arrived to do a Dogma documentary on the Dogma film. This is turning into quite a clash since the film crew led by David Schwimmer (Friends) and the documentary crew are constantly in the face of the actors which include Saffron Burrows (Troy) and Jason Issacs (White Lotus and the Harry Potter films). What many of them don’t know is that their fancy hotel run by Danny Huston (Naked Gun) is serving up people in the basement. This is the reason why John Malkovich (Being John Malkovich) has checked into the hotel. Also there for the cannibal cuisine is Julian Sands (Room With A View) who gives tours of Venice to tourists who might also be there for the rare grilled treats. The production goes out control even with a small team. Will they end up on top of the craft service table?
Hotel is not a “By The Rules” dogma movie. While they go with the handheld camera and bad lighting (as Julian Sands jokes about during the first dinner), there’s a lot of rule breaking. The first rule busted is the use of a gun. One of the characters gets shot while the movie is being made. The funny part is that the crew thinks he’s just being temperamental or lying on the floor to get a creative vibe. No one wants to interrupt him until they spot the blood leaking onto the floor. Another rule that Michael Figgis blows off is the no score business. His jazz combo sets the mood for each scene. It adds to a bit of an improvised feel for the entire film. The whole movie feels like a jazz concert where famous faces pop up to do a little solo within the larger piece. Along with the people mentioned, we also get Burt Reynolds (Boogie Nights), Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels), Valeria Golino (Rain Man), Chiara Mastroianni (Ready To Wear) and others popping up.
How did Figgis land such and all-star cast? I’ve heard several actors point out that there are times they want to go on vacation without paying for it. The offer of making “easy” film in Venice might have been alluring enough. Since it was done slightly Dogma style, the actors didn’t have spend hours waiting for the crew to set the lights to get the perfect shadows. Do your part and see the canals.
When Hotel arrived in 2003 (after playing festivals in 2002), it died at the box office and was savaged by critics. If you go into Hotel expecting a traditional movie, you’ll be deeply disappointed. This is an art film that requires you to go with the flow. Instead of building off tension, the plot is motivated by the weirdness. How much stranger can the become film? What famous face will pop up next? This is what should keep you in your seat. And things do get wild and weird until the end. You’ll want to check into Hotel for a dogma outrageous time although you might want to bring your own food.
The Video is 1.78:1 anamorphic. The movie appears to have been shot on standard definition video cameras back around 2000 when they first started showing up. This means the DVD looks as good as it will. They joke about bad lighting so enjoy it. The Audio is Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo. Things sound good for audio caught on the fly. The movie is subtitled in English, French and Spanish.
Making Of Documentary (24:32) has them read Figgis’ letter to the actors about the system he was using for his digital movie. He didn’t have hair or make up, actors brought their own clothes and there was no script. There was structure. He talks about his first digital movie Timecode. He does get panicky, but he wants that rush. He tells the actors to never feel like they’re not on camera because they will be on camera. We see the camera rig. Your cellphone has a high-resolution camera now. Burt Reynolds has a talk with Figgis about the improvisation. This might be one of the instances where you’re better off watching the making of documentary before the movie to get in the mood.
Web Shorts (were posted online back when video on the internet was a new way to promote the making of the film as you do. Alan Rickman (Die Hard) was supposed to be a part of the film. The first (3:34) has Mark Strong show up for the film and Danny Huston gives him a replacement room. Mike Figgis (1:38) directs a scene. Danny Huston (3:59) welcomes us to the hotel and hints at his true father.
Photo Gallery (5:30) includes artsy shots from the location.
Original Theatrical Trailer (2:04) reminds us that Figgis made Leaving Las Vegas. Dogma is mentioned. We get a taste of the gratuitous.
MVD Visual and MVD Marquee Collection presents Hotel. Directed by Mike Figgis. Screenplay Mike Figgis and Heathcote Williams. Starring Saffron Burrows, Valeria Golino, Salma Hayek, Danny Huston, Rhys Ifans, Jason Isaacs, Lucy Liu, John Malkovich, Chiara Mastroianni, Burt Reynolds, Julian Sands & David Schwimmer. Rated R. Running Time: 111 minutes. Release Date: June 16, 2025.
