3/5 Asia Argento as the Scarlet Diva
  by C. Merced (Stamford, CT and sometimes in Puerto Rico)
Shot in digital video, this is the semi-autobiographical movie of Asia Argento. The film is about an actress, Anna Batista, who is in a constant struggle with herself to be loved, to be accepted and to discover herself. The film is very raw in all aspects: it was shot on digital video, the characters play the worst of their stereotypes, they are monsters, the main character (the actress) seemed like a child, seeking everyone's affection and approval, and yet plunged herself in unhealthy behavior.

The film is a bit incoherent and in pieces, little snippets here and there, much like the actress' life. The film is less about the art of filmmaking and more like a conduit to allow both the main character and Asia Argento to expunge all those images and experiences that have been so haunting to them. The film is like an exorcism shrouded in symbolism.

I do wish she would have used less of her friends to film certain scenes or tested the talent first; some scenes seemed fake, unprofessional and forced. In conclusion, a pretty good this was an interesting film.

The DVD has an interview with Asia Argento explaining how the movie came to be, as well as the Director's Commentary during the movie. After watching the movie once, you should see the Director's Commentary which casts a whole new light on the events of the movie.

4/5 Great actress, good movie
  by R. Barnard (Western New York)
Being a fan of Asia Argento for years, from her father's (Dario Argento) movies and to The Heart is Deceitful..., I found this "autobiographical" film a bit disturbing, but also a broader display of her talents. From start to finish it is a cynical look at the downside of fame. No holds barred here, we follow the main charector, Anna,as she searches for respectability, love, and a clean slate fora new beginning.
It seems Asia let loose a lot of inner turmoil in this film, including the "rock star" relationship, which mirrored real life, and the strained relationship with her mother, Daria Nicolodi (who plays the overbearing mother in the film).
The best part of this dvd in my opinion, is the commentary by the director/star. That's where you get a real feel for the lady behind the story and gain some understanding about the story.

3/5 Not bad for a directorial debut.
  by Robert P. Beveridge (Cleveland, OH)
Scarlet Diva (Asia Argento, 2000)

Scarlet Diva is, in no small way, entertaining because it's a movie about its own creation. Yeah, it's Asia Argento's autobiography, etc. etc. But you know what's coming from the opening scene, and you're not disappointed.

Anna Batista (Argento) is a young, award-winning actress who wants to direct. The problem is, no one seems to want her to. A combination of her frustrated desires, a not-too-happy childhood, and her own (and others') relationship problems sends her down an ugly spiral of drugs and abuse, exacerbated by forces beyond her control, until she hits bottom and has that moment of epiphany you hear about all the time. All you need to do is connect Batista's "I want to direct" in the opening scene to Scarlet Diva being Argento's directorial debut, and you've got a complete picture (albeit a pretty boring one, since it's only got two dots).

The movie is better. Argento is a serviceable actress (though she's better when someone else is directing her; compare this to b.Monkey or New Rose Hotel, both from two years previous) with aspirations to greatness, and her rather astonishing ability to continually slag herself is almost scary. (We'll ignore the fact that this raises the obvious question of whether this is the version through the rose-colored glasses...) There are some pretty convincing breakdowns to be found here, some footage that's kind of difficult to watch. There's also a great deal that isn't (all of Asia Argento is as easy on the eyes as her face), and it's quite welcome. What lies between isn't bad, certainly-- most of the movie's problems (most of which are pace-related) are common to first-time directors. I found it haunting, even beautiful in a sort of depraved way. I seem to have liked it better than most, but that's not going to stop me from recommending it. ***


5/5 Vastly intriguing... but not for the reasons you might think...
  by Campbell Roark (from under the floorboards and through the woods...)
"Vincent gallo is a piece of &%$#, but I love him." So speaks Asia, in that hash-stained voice, monotone... commenting on a scene...

The commentary in this film is the high-point, by far. 5 stars for Asia bearing and concealing her soul, piece by piece, on the commentary track... The dialogue is subtitled people, so if you have a half a brain, you can watch it with the subtitles and the commentary... It's a strange ride. I can't imagine this gal's life... The asides and asia's monotone talk are soul-crippling.

It has the ring of truth. Definitely for people who feast on the bleaker, unremittingly flinchless side of life... I love this movie, but only with the commentary.

1/5 I love Asia Argento...but absolutely HATED this movie
  by Hans Carter (Oregon City, Or United States)
First let me say that this movie DOES, indeed, have subtitles. Unfortunately, this is just one of those annoying DVDs where you actually have to turn them on with your remote.

I personally think that Asia Argento is sexy in a very skanky sort of way. I shouldn't like her as much as I do, but I do anyway. I think she's gorgeous and her pelvic tattoo is amazing. I also think she usually has great taste in the projects she takes on in Europe, but her American films leave a lot to be desired. Unfortunately, this is NOT one of her great European movies. In fact, I think the other reviewers who refered to this movie as "pretentious" were being way too kind.

While I admire what Asia was wanting to do with this movie, it comes across as more of a PRETENTIOUS ( I couldn't think of a better word) teenage-goth-girl-sex-fantasy. It's a low budget DV feature done in a pseudo-Dogma 95 style. Translated that means the script is very minimal and the production values aren't all that great. Some would have you believe this is for "artistic" effect. Personally, I think that's a bunch of crap. The teenage-goth-girl-sex-fantasy aspect gets REALLY old after about 5 minutes. The lack of an interesting plot doesn't even make the more superficial T&A aspects worth watching. (AND I LOVE MY T&A!!!!!!!)

Besides the nudity, I think the only other aspect of this film I liked was the jab they took at director Gus Van Sant, refering to a fictional version of Cleopatra he would direct. (I've heard the Italians don't like Gus or his movies.)

My personal recommendation is not to waste your time with this movie. If you must watch this film, borrow a copy from a friend. If none of your friends own it, or you don't have any friends, rent a copy. If you are so absolutely obsessed with seeing this movie, to the point you just have to buy a copy, get one from Amazon Marketplace. Don't pay more than $5 or $6 for it, it's 90 minutes of your life you will never get back again.