About Climax

"Climax" is a psychological horror movie directed by Gaspar Noé and released in 2019. The plot revolves around a dance troupe's party that goes awry after they realize their sangria has been spiked with LSD. Unfolding in real-time, the film explores the rapid descent of the dancers into madness and chaos, culminating in a terrifying, hallucinatory climax.

Making / Production

Gaspar Noé is known for his innovative approach that merges intense visuals and sounds to create deeply immersive narratives. "Climax" is no exception. Shot over a period of 15 days, the film retains Noé’s signature one-take style, leading to a distinct sense of urgency and escalating tension.

Actors

• Sofia Boutella plays the role of Selva, the leading dancer of the group. She delivers a captivating performance, expressing her journey from controlled elegance to total loss of control persuasively.
• Roman Guillermic appears as David, whose performance subtly yet convincingly portrays the descent from coherence into madness.
• Souheila Yacoub as Lou, gives an emotional performance by portraying extreme terror and vulnerability.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's opening dance scene, which lasts 10 minutes, was shot in one take without any cuts.
• Director Gaspar Noé did not use a screenplay and instead encouraged improvisation from the actors.
• Sofia Boutella, who plays the lead character, is a professional dancer who has worked with artists like Madonna and Rihanna.
• Most of the dialogues in the movie were improvised by the cast on the set.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's soundtrack is a critical part of the narrative, including songs from artists like Daft Punk, Aphex Twin, and Thomas Bangalter.
• The relentless, electronic beat of the music contributes to the disorienting, hallucinatory effect of the film.
• The score was coordinated by Ken Yasumoto, known for his dynamic sound mixing in Noé's other films.