It’s Not Me (2024) by Leos Carax

Leos Carax, the enigmatic French auteur behind films like Holy Motors and Annette, returns with It’s Not Me, a captivating and highly personal cinematic essay. This 41-minute film serves as a kaleidoscopic self-portrait, a reflection on his 40-year career, and a provocative meditation on art, memory, and the state of the world. Inspired by a question from Paris’ Centre Pompidou — “Where are you at, Leos Carax?” — the film offers an answer that is as indirect and intimate as the director himself.

It’s Not Me is a fragmented, associative montage that defies traditional narrative. Narrated by Carax’s own gravelly voice, the film weaves together a rich tapestry of elements: never-before-seen footage from his personal archives, clips from his own celebrated filmography (including Les Amants du Pont-Neuf, Holy Motors, and Annette), snippets from other iconic films, archival news footage, photographs, title cards, and a diverse soundtrack ranging from classical music to pop.

Carax playfully and provocatively revisits key figures and motifs from his oeuvre, including his longtime alter ego Denis Lavant as Monsieur Merde. He features his daughter, Nastya Golubeva Carax, in newly shot sequences that touch on themes of legacy and the future. The film is a deeply introspective journey, where Carax muses on his identity as a filmmaker, his relationship with his art, and the ghosts of his past, including his late partner Yekaterina Golubeva and collaborator Guillaume Depardieu.

Beyond the personal, It’s Not Me expands into broader reflections on cinema itself – its history, its power, and its moral role in bearing witness to reality. Carax engages in a “Godardian dance of ideas,” openly acknowledging his late mentor Jean-Luc Godard’s influence through stylistic choices like intertitles and visual collage. He juxtaposes moments of beauty and artistic ecstasy with jarring images of contemporary political and social horrors, such as the refugee crisis, questioning the artist’s responsibility to depict the world. The title itself, It’s Not Me, is a characteristic Caraxian paradox, a self-deprecating and elusive gesture that nonetheless offers a deeply intimate glimpse into the mind of one of cinema’s most unique voices.

Leos Carax presents a 41-minute cinematic self-portrait in response to the question “Where are you at, Leos Carax?”. The film is an associative collage using footage from his own filmography, new material featuring himself and actors like Denis Lavant and his daughter Nastya, clips from other films, and a voiceover narration. It explores his artistic legacy, personal life, the nature of cinema, and sociopolitical commentary, reflecting a style deeply influenced by Jean-Luc Godard.

Leos Carax, serving as writer, director, and a central figure in the film, conceived It’s Not Me as a playful and provocative self-portrait. He explicitly embraced the essay film format, drawing heavy inspiration from the later works of Jean-Luc Godard, evident in its fragmented structure, use of text, and rich audiovisual collage. Carax’s vision was to reflect on his 40-year filmography, dissect his own identity as a filmmaker, and explore the power and moral responsibility of cinema. He aimed to be both indirect and intimate, using his distinctive blend of erudition, humor, provocation, and pathos. Made on a low budget and “without pressures,” the film allowed him to create a deeply personal yet broadly thematic work, examining cinema’s place in history and its capacity to bear witness to reality and personal memory.

• Self-Portraiture and Identity: A profound, multi-layered exploration of Carax’s own identity as an artist and individual, questioning the very notion of a fixed self.

• Artistic Legacy and Oeuvre: A retrospective look at his extensive filmography, revisiting key moments, characters, and collaborators (including his beloved Monsieur Merde and late muses).

• The Nature of Cinema: A meta-cinematic inquiry into what cinema is, its history, its capacity for representation, and its power to evoke emotion and provoke thought.

• Memory and Time: The fluid and often disorienting nature of memory, and how time shapes personal experience and artistic output.

• Politics and Society: Carax interweaves social and political commentary, particularly on issues like racism, human displacement, and the moral role of art in reflecting the world’s horrors.

• Mentorship and Influence: A heartfelt tribute to Jean-Luc Godard, acknowledging his profound impact on Carax’s artistic development and the essay film form.

• Leos Carax’s Unique Authorship: His distinctive, uncompromising artistic vision ensures the film is unlike anything else, appealing to cinephiles and fans of experimental cinema.

• Rich Audiovisual Collage: The masterful combination of diverse footage, original narration, and a curated soundtrack creates a mesmerizing and intellectually stimulating experience.

• Intimate yet Universal Themes: While deeply personal, the film explores universal questions about art, life, and memory, making it resonate beyond a niche audience.

• Critical Acclaim: Its strong positive reception from critics and prestigious festival selections confirm its artistic merit and significance.

• Godardian Homage: For those familiar with Jean-Luc Godard’s later works, the film serves as a poignant and respectful continuation of the essay film tradition.

It’s Not Me (2024) is Leos Carax’s 41-minute cinematic self-portrait and essay film. Prompted by a question about his current state, Carax weaves together clips from his own films, new footage, archives, and narration. It’s a playful yet profound reflection on his career, identity, cinema’s power, and the world, heavily influenced by Jean-Luc Godard.

It’s Not Me has been an Official Selection at numerous prestigious international film festivals:

• Cannes Film Festival 2024 (Cannes Première – World Premiere: May 18, 2024)

• San Sebastián International Film Festival 2024 (Nominee: Zabaltegi-Tabakalera Prize for Best Film)

• New York Film Festival (NYFF) 2024 (Spotlight Section)

• BFI London Film Festival 2024 (Create Section)

• AFI Fest 2024 (Luminaries Section)

• Chicago International Film Festival 2024 (Spotlight)

• Mostra – São Paulo International Film Festival 2024

• Vienna (Viennale) – International Film Festival 2024

• Montreal Festival du Nouveau Cinéma 2024

• Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) 2024 (Icons)

• Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival 2024

• Gijon International Film Festival 2024

• Singapore International Film Festival 2024

• Hong Kong International Film Festival 2025

• Vilnius Film Festival 2025

The film has received critical acclaim, with a Metacritic score of 90/100 based on 9 critics, indicating “universal acclaim.”

Critics have largely lauded It’s Not Me as a brilliant and essential work from Leos Carax, praising its ambition, formal innovation, and emotional depth.

• The New York Times: Described it as a “love poem, restless dream, troubled history, alchemist’s scrapbook,” calling it “pure cinema” that dances through its dense 42 minutes.

• RogerEbert.com: Stated it’s a reminder that Leos Carax is “one of the most fascinating and formally inventive filmmakers working today,” whether viewed as a summation or a brief diversion.

• ScreenAnarchy: Hailed it as “The Best Cinematic Self-Portrait One Could Wish For,” noting Carax’s open embrace of Godard’s style to compose a “dense, visually sumptuous self-portrait.”

• The Playlist: Called it “a little batsh*t but never boring,” acknowledging its essayistic, free-associative nature and how it offers a fascinating refraction of Carax’s mind.

• InSession Film: Highlighted it as a “Dreamy and Personal Essay,” emphasizing its melancholic tone and Carax’s continuous push of boundaries while honoring cinematic traditions.

• The Hollywood Reporter: Noted that Carax “seems to be squeezing everything he can into a personal manifesto in which cinema, history and real life become interchangeable.” 1    

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics are overwhelmingly positive, celebrating It’s Not Me as a masterful and profoundly personal work from Leos Carax. They consistently praise its innovative collage structure, visual richness, and the audacious way it interweaves autobiography, film history, and social commentary. While some acknowledge its challenging, non-linear narrative, the consensus is that the film is a compelling and essential experience for anyone interested in the art of cinema and the mind of a visionary auteur.

Audience and festival reviews generally align with critical sentiment, recognizing It’s Not Me as a demanding but highly rewarding film. Viewers who appreciate Carax’s unique style and are open to experimental, non-linear storytelling have found the film to be a powerful and thought-provoking journey. Many have been particularly struck by its emotional core, despite its fragmented nature, and its poignant reflections on aging, legacy, and the human condition. The film’s humor and unexpected shifts in tone are also frequently highlighted.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews indicate that It’s Not Me is a deeply personal and intellectually stimulating experience that resonates with audiences willing to engage with its complex and artistic structure. It’s seen as a significant work that solidifies Carax’s reputation as a singular voice in contemporary cinema.

It’s Not Me is a French production, written and directed by Leos Carax.

• Director: Leos Carax

• Writer: Leos Carax

• Producers: Leos Carax (as “LC”), Charles Gillibert

• Cinematographer: Caroline Champetier (who also worked on Carax’s Annette and Holy Motors)

• Editor: Leos Carax (IMDb lists Leos Carax as editor, some sources also mention Nelly Quettier on previous Carax projects, but for this film, Carax is often credited as primary editor).

• Production Designer: Florian Sanson (also worked on Annette and Holy Motors)

• Running Time: 41 minutes

• Production Companies: CG Cinéma, Théo Films, Arte France Cinéma, Les Films du Losange, Scala Films, La Région Île-de-France

• Les Films du Losange (France)

• MUBI (streaming in some regions, including as a MUBI exclusive in certain territories)

• Sideshow / Janus Films (US theatrical/streaming, for specific releases)

• The Criterion Channel (US streaming)

• Eurospace (Japan)

• Enchanté Films – Films We Like (Quebec, Canada)

• Kyiv Music Film (Ukraine)

Release Date on Streaming

It’s Not Me was made available on The Criterion Channel in the United States as part of its general release strategy following its festival run. It is also available on VOD platforms in France via CINE+ OCS AMAZON CHANNEL. Specific global streaming dates vary by region and platform partnerships.

It’s Not Me premiered globally at the Cannes Film Festival (Cannes Première section) on May 18, 2024.

It subsequently had a significant international festival run throughout 2024 and into 2025, including:

• US Premiere: New York Film Festival (NYFF) in September 2024, followed by limited theatrical runs in New York City and Los Angeles in December 2024.

• UK Premiere: BFI London Film Festival in October 2024.

• French Release: December 6, 2024.

• Japanese Release: April 26, 2025.

• Other major festivals: San Sebastián, Chicago, AFI Fest, Mostra – São Paulo, Vienna, Montreal, Busan, Taipei, Gijon, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vilnius.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• For Devotees of Leos Carax: If you are a fan of his unique, often surreal, and emotionally resonant cinematic language, this film offers a rare and intimate look into his creative mind and personal history.

• Fans of Essay Films: If you enjoy intellectual, fragmented, and deeply personal documentaries or cinematic essays that blend autobiography with broader cultural and philosophical reflections.

• Art-House and Experimental Cinema Enthusiasts: For viewers who appreciate films that challenge conventional narrative structures and explore the boundaries of the cinematic medium.

• Deep Dive into Filmmaking: To gain insight into the process of a master filmmaker reflecting on his craft, his influences, and the power of images.

• Experience a Master’s Vision: To witness a singular work from one of contemporary cinema’s most visionary and uncompromising auteurs.

• Intellectual Stimulus: It’s a film that encourages active engagement and reflection, offering layers of meaning and references to unpack.

• Visual and Aural Feast: Despite its short runtime, the film is rich in stunning visuals and a diverse, evocative soundtrack that enhance its emotional and intellectual impact.

• Explore Core Themes of Art and Life: To engage with profound questions about identity, memory, the role of art in a troubled world, and the legacy of a creative life.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

It’s Not Me is a quintessential example of the “Cinematic Essay Film” trend, popularized by filmmakers like Jean-Luc Godard (who is heavily referenced in the film). This trend uses film as a medium for intellectual inquiry, personal reflection, and cultural commentary, often through collage, fragmentation, and direct address. It also fits into the growing trend of “Meta-Cinema” and “Filmmaker Self-Portraits,” where directors explore their own careers and relationship with their art.

What Big Social Trend is Following

The film subtly engages with the broader social trends of “Legacy and Reflection” in an aging society, as Carax looks back on his life and career. It also touches upon discussions around “Art’s Role in Contemporary Crises,” particularly its ability (or inability) to confront global issues like racism and humanitarian disasters. The film’s very form, as a fragmented, personal collage, reflects a modern approach to “Identity Formation” in an increasingly complex and mediated world.

It’s Not Me is a profound, playful, and utterly essential piece of cinema from Leos Carax. It’s a film that rewards engagement, inviting viewers to delve into the fragmented yet deeply personal world of one of cinema’s most unique voices. Far from a straightforward autobiography, it’s a philosophical inquiry into the nature of art, memory, and the self, presented with Carax’s signature blend of audacity, poetry, and raw emotion. While its non-linear, referential style may not appeal to all, for those willing to embrace its complexities, It’s Not Me is a dazzling and unforgettable experience, cementing its place as a significant work in contemporary art-house cinema and a fitting tribute to a truly original auteur.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Embrace the Essay Form: Consider the essay film as a powerful tool for personal reflection, intellectual inquiry, and thematic exploration, allowing for formal freedom and a blend of personal and universal themes.

• Leverage Personal Archives: Utilize personal footage, photographs, and reflections to create authentic and intimate cinematic self-portraits that resonate on a deeper level.

• Study Cinematic History: Draw inspiration from and engage in dialogue with the history of cinema, using references and homages to enrich your own work and connect it to a broader lineage.

• Trust Your Unique Voice: Leos Carax demonstrates that an uncompromising and distinctive artistic vision, even when unconventional, can lead to truly impactful and memorable films.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Experimental and Essay Filmmaking: Recognize the artistic and intellectual value of non-traditional cinematic forms and provide platforms for their creation and distribution.

• Champion Auteurial Voices: Continue to invest in filmmakers with strong, unique artistic visions who push the boundaries of the medium, even if their work challenges mainstream conventions.

• Promote Film Literacy: Encourage initiatives that help audiences engage with and appreciate complex, referential, and historically informed cinema, fostering a deeper understanding of the art form.

• Diversify Distribution Models: Acknowledge that not all films are suited for traditional theatrical releases and explore innovative digital and art-house distribution strategies to ensure these unique works reach their intended audiences.