There has been a long tradition where actors have stood in to portray other people, convey stories and express ideas. That tradition just got intensely magnified within these two unconventional films.

Holy Motors

Holy Motors (2012) is directed by Leos Carax. It’s as if Lon Chaney (The Man of 1,000 Faces) was resurrected by the heavens, and charged with creating a multitude of characters on a daily basis. Viewers get to tag along through the many sequences, in which none is quite like the rest. Holy Motors runs through the gamut of emotions, and stands strong on its originality.

Alps

Alps (2011) is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. A clandestine group offers its services to those who have just lost a loved one. As an aid to the grieving, an actor “stands in” as the deceased person to help alleviate the sudden void. It is strong, and strangely funny at times. Alps is fashioned of well crafted material that keeps you thinking.