Strass (2001)
Directed by Vincent Lannoo
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Synopsis by Matthew Tobey
For his feature debut, Belgian writer/director Vincent Lannoo made this comedic Dogme 95 mockumentary about the unorthodox teaching methods of an acting coach at a Brussels conservatory. Pierre Lekeux stars as Pierre Radowsky, the instructor in question. Controversy abounds when the documentary crew captures a sexual power struggle between Radowsky and a female student during a one-on-one teaching session. After the filmmakers leak the tape to the local media, debate rages over whether or not Radowsky is fit to continue teaching. The title, Strass, is a reference to renowned American acting teacher Lee Strasberg. The film had it's U.S. premiere at the 2002 Palm Springs International Film Festival.