Clean

Maggie Cheung plays a cross between Yoko Ono and Courtney Love, in this film by her ex-husband Olivier Assayas. It says something about her appeal and skill as an actress that she makes such a grating personality into a sympathetic character -- she has presence and conveys feeling. Nick Nolte contributes a mannered but effective performance, as the father of Maggie’s OD’ed rock star husband, and guardian of the son she is too strung out to take care of. She struggles to get off drugs and put her life together, maybe for the first time, and he offers a message of forgiveness and redemption, played out in small steps and tiny gestures. Assayas’ style is intimate but visually exciting, and he’s got a subtle but sure touch with writing and direction. Can people change for the better? This film holds out a modest hope. Will be interesting to compare to Maggie Gyllenhaal in Sherrybaby. (2005, dvd, n.) *7+* (MC-75.)