“City of Ghosts” is an American crime thriller film released in 2002 and that made its debut in 2003 within the United States. It marks the directorial and co-writing debut of the talented Matt Dillon, who also has a compelling leading role. While the majority of the film was filmed in Cambodia, several scenes in the beginning of the movie were shot in New York and in Bangkok, Thailand.
CITY OF GHOSTS 2022 | CAST
Main cast from the movie living outside Cambodia at the time were Matt Dillon (Jimmy), James Caan (Marvin), Gérard Depardieu (Emile), Stellan Skarsgård (Joseph), Natascha McElhone (Sophie)
Finding the right person to portray the cyclo driver proved to be a challenge for the film crew during the casting. It was Matt Dillon himself who hand-picked Kem Sereyvuth after he offered him a motodop ride in the city of Phnom Penh. Kem Sereyvuth, known as Sok in the movie, not only played the charismatic cyclo driver but also played himself in the film, adding an authentic touch to the character.
Additionally, the doorman stationed in front of the Belleville hotel’s reception was recruited spontaneously on the spot, contributing to the movie’s realism and spontaneity.
During the Q&A session in Kampot, it was revealed that the city had a vibrant community of expats, some of whom were hired to portray colorful characters in the film. One such example is Ian ‘Snowy’ Woodford, an Australian expat who added his unique presence to the movie.
CITY OF GHOSTS | FILMING LOCATIONS IN CAMBODIA
The film’s production took place in various locations, including the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh, which served as the primary backdrop for the story. Other cities included Kampot, renowned for its picturesque Bokor Mountain, and Kep, known for its coastal charm. Some scenes were also filmed in Udong and Phnom Chisor, a pre-angkorian temple.
In Phnom Penh, the film prominently featured the Belleville restaurant and hotel, overseen by Gerard Depardieu’s character, as one of its primary shooting locations.
The building that now houses the Manolis restaurant in central Phnom Penh has a storied history. Originally called the Grand Hotel, it was the city’s first luxurious hotel when constructed in 1895. An extension built in 1910 expanded the hotel and renamed it the Grand Hotel Manolis after the owner name from Greece. During the early 20th century, the Manolis Hotel was a popular retreat for wealthy visitors and colonial officials. One infamous guest was the French novelist and art thief Andre Malraux, who stayed there in 1923 after stealing priceless temple carvings from Banteay Srei. He was soon caught and the artifacts returned. The Manolis later served as the headquarters of the French colonial Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia. Today, the Manolis occupies just a small portion of the original hotel but has reclaimed its historic name. Though reduced in size, the building remains a landmark of the remaining French colonial architecture in Phnom Penh. In 2023, a few Cambodian families are still living in some dilapidated areas of the historic building.
The hotel, right across the restaurant, where Matt Dillon was sleeping was the former French police station (commissariat), built in 1892 and remodeled in 1920. You can find the exact location on Street 98 (Okhna Santhormok) using Google Maps.
As of 2023, the majestic and massive century-old building stands in a state of decay, and is enclosed by a metallic fence, nature has begun to reclaim the structure, its facade being almost concealed by trees as it was try to evade the inevitability of change. From a bird’s eye view, numerous sections of the roof can be seen opened to the elements. The old commissariat building serves as a living testament to a bygone era in Phnom Penh, slowly surrounded by ever-rising buildings of the upcoming neighborhood. From time to time, a glimpse of nostalgia comes alive as a cyclo leisurely passes by reminding us of the famous opening scene of Sok driving Jimmy across to the Belleville.
The commissariat was in a recent years on the list of many architecture tours and of few adventure seekers. Few locals were also living inside until recently, Kem Sereyvuth enjoyed bringing some tourists in his cyclo as documented by Jan Mueller in 2009. The building is now in 2023 off limit and waiting for its fate.
MATT DILLON RETURN TO CAMBODIA IN 2023
In July 2023, Matt Dillon made a return to Cambodia, marking his first visit since 2008. This time, his purpose was to revisit the iconic locations where “City of Ghosts” was shot. However, his visit held much more significance than a mere trip down memory lane: Matt Dillon utilized this opportunity to give back to the local film community by hosting a series of engaging workshops and masterclasses at the 2023 Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) and was named patron of the festival as well.
A private screening of the film was held in Phnom Penh on July 9th 2023 followed by a questions and answer sessions. Day later another screening, public this time, was organized on July 12th in Kampot. I was fortunate to be around Kampot at this time, scouting for new locations for my Cambodia photography tours.
During the engaging Q&A session held in Kampot, Matt Dillon was joined by John Pirozzi and Jim Denault to shed light on their experiences working on “City of Ghosts” and delve into their special connection with Cambodia. The session provided valuable insights into the motivations behind choosing Cambodia as a filming location, as well as the logistical challenges they encountered during production.
Matt Dillon was in Cambodia early on during the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in 1993, visiting a friend and went to see Angkor Wat. He also visited Phnom Penh and it deeply impacted him, leaving a lasting impression. “I also went to Phnom Penh and it got under my skin”.
CITY OF GHOSTS FILM REVIEW
This personal review is influenced by my many years living in Cambodia. While I didn’t find the plot particularly compelling, Matt Dillon’s portrayal captures the essence and spirit of Phnom Penh and its people.it is strinking how the city of Phnom Penh have changed a great deal while the people did not change so much. The tuk tuks still hustle for customers in the same way. The children have changed somewhat, now glued to their phone screens playing games, but their fundamental nature is the same. The sounds of the pagodas’ prayer chanting also remain. The film features an eclectic soundtrack that adds dimension to certain scenes.
CITY OF GHOSTS SOUNDTRACK (OST)
The “City of Ghosts” soundtrack boasts a collection of 17 songs, representing an eclectic mix of music, including 1960s-70s Cambodian rock and roll, French pop, and other genres. The soundtrack enhances the emotional impact of certain scenes in the movie.
- Both Sides Now Dengue Fever 4:03
- Et Moi, Et Moi, Et Moi Jacques Dutronc 2:56
- 3.Wait Ten Months Ros Sereysothea 3:35
- Sak Kra Va Chan Chaya 4:15
- Do You Believe in Love at Sight McKinney’s Cotton Pickers 3:15
- Hilo Hula Mike Hanapi & The Ilima Islanders 3:29
- Have You Seen My Love? Ros Sereysothea 3:18
- Parlez Moi d’Amour Lucienne Boyer 3:07)
- Want a Little Girl McKinney’s Cotton Pickers 3:34
- Mou Pei Na Sin Sisamouth 2:10
- Coining Maes Samouen 2:41
- Giant Woman Pen Ran 4:09
- Close Fit Blues Clarence Williams 3:21
- I’m Sixteen Ros Sereysothea 3:56
- Ne Te Fache Pas Sin Sisamouth 2:51
- Love Pillow Choun Malai 3:31
- Dear 5 Peter Whitehead 4:20
CITY OF GHOSTS PROMOTIONAL POSTERS
CITY OF GHOSTS 2002 OFFICIAL TRAILER
