"Chantal" tells the story of a young, naive girl who comes to Hollywood as she, like many others, wants to become a star. Within a few days, her illusions are shattered as she gets to know the other side of the coin: exploitation instead of glamor. "Chantal" is a movie with ambitious intentions and some stylistic courage, but it makes one crucial mistake. In the beginning, you hear Chantal bragging so much about how great she is, how famous she will be and how quickly the world will be at her feet that you can't help thinking: "Oh Lord, I wish somebody would teach little stupid here a lesson in common sense and modesty." Thus, when we are watching her downfall later on, we are not very concerned. There's a kind of "serves her right" feeling instead of compassion. Because the audience doesn't sympathize with Chantal, the movie loses some effect. Compare this to Jess Franco's "Justine", for example, where Romina Power as Justine is much more lovable when she has to face humiliation. "Chantal" has good performances by Misty Mundae, Julian Wells and the one and only Julie Strain, and surely a few nasty moments you don't forget easily. It's a pity it nevertheless leaves the audience somewhat indifferent.
Review of Chantal
