If you loved the surreal, meta-narrative style of 'Irma Vep' (1996), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that blend reality and fiction, offering the same offbeat charm and artistic depth. Whether you're a fan of Olivier Assayas or just enjoy unconventional storytelling, these picks will captivate your imagination.

Last Year at Marienbad (1961)
Description: A dreamlike narrative that blurs the lines between memory and reality, with a focus on ambiguous storytelling and visually arresting compositions.
Fact: The film's script was written in the form of a poem, and its nonlinear structure has puzzled audiences and critics for decades.


Alphaville (1965)
Description: A dystopian sci-fi film that critiques modern society through a noir-inspired narrative and stark visual style.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in real locations in Paris, without any special effects or futuristic sets.


Persona (1966)
Description: A psychological drama that explores identity and duality through surreal and fragmented storytelling, featuring striking black-and-white cinematography.
Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its controversial themes and imagery. It is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made.


Daisies (1966)
Description: An anarchic and visually inventive film that challenges societal norms through its playful and surreal narrative.
Fact: The film was banned in its home country for its perceived subversive content and feminist undertones.


Belle de Jour (1967)
Description: A provocative exploration of fantasy and reality, centered around a woman's double life, with a stylish and enigmatic visual approach.
Fact: The film was based on a novel that was itself inspired by real-life accounts of a high-class prostitute.


Weekend (1967)
Description: A darkly comedic and chaotic film that critiques consumer culture through its absurd and violent narrative.
Fact: The film features one of the longest tracking shots in cinema history, lasting over seven minutes.


The Color of Pomegranates (1969)
Description: A poetic and visually stunning film that uses symbolic imagery and non-linear storytelling to explore the life of a poet.
Fact: The film was heavily censored upon its release and was not seen in its original form for decades.


El Topo (1970)
Description: A surreal and violent allegory that blends Western and avant-garde elements, with a focus on existential themes.
Fact: The film became a cult hit after its midnight screenings in New York, leading to the rise of the 'midnight movie' phenomenon.


The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)
Description: A satirical take on bourgeois society, blending surrealism with dark humor and a non-linear narrative structure.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, despite its unconventional and often absurd plot.


The Tenant (1976)
Description: A psychological thriller that delves into themes of paranoia and identity, featuring claustrophobic visuals and an unsettling atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot in the same Parisian apartment building where the director lived, adding to its eerie authenticity.
