M. Butterfly (film)

M. Butterfly is a 1993 American romantic drama film directed by David Cronenberg, adapted from David Henry Hwang's 1988 play of the same name. The film stars Jeremy Irons as René Gallimard, a French diplomat, and John Lone as Song Liling, a Peking opera singer with whom Gallimard has a long-term affair, unaware that Song is a man and a spy for the Chinese government.

The film follows Gallimard's experiences in Beijing, his infatuation with Song Liling, and the unraveling of his personal and professional life as the truth about Song's identity and espionage activities is revealed. M. Butterfly explores themes of cultural misunderstanding, Western stereotypes of the East, illusion versus reality, and the nature of love and desire. It critiques the Orientalist gaze and the power dynamics inherent in intercultural relationships. The film deviates in some ways from the stage play, notably in its ending and some plot details. The soundtrack includes music by Howard Shore.