The Criterion Collection Releases the Delirious Fictions of William Klein

The Eclipse line from The Criterion Collection focuses on "lost, forgotten, or overshadowed classics." Series 9 is entitled The Delirious Fictions of William Klein, and although I can't argue with the adjectives, I don't know if I would go so far to call any of the three films in the collection "classics."

William Klein rose to prominence as a photographer, equally gifted with subjects on the streets of New York and in the pages of Vogue. The DVD case notes that aside from the documentary Muhammad Ali, the Greatest, "his film work is barely known in the United States," and after viewing them, it's easy to see why. Klein has some interesting ideas, both in subject matter and in his direction, but not enough of either to create one good, satisfying film. Unfortunately, the ratio of enjoyable scenes to disappointing does not favor the viewer.

Who Are You, Polly Maggoo? (1966) is Klein's insider's look at the world of celebrity through fashion, television, and even royalty. Polly is a model who becomes the focus of a television interview program entitled Who Are You? The producer becomes smitten with Polly, his initial lust progresses to something deeper as they work together. At the same time, Prince Igor grows listless as he longs for Polly. His mother the Queen puts into action a plan for Polly's return to the country. The film is an odd wonderland with hints of Godard and Fellini as the viewer is transported through the different worlds, but unfortunately it delivers more odd than wonder.