Review of Angel-A (2005) by James M — 23 Apr 2010

Angel-A is a strange film and one that, whilst capable of pulling you in, it never seduces you fully. The story is about Andre (Jamel Debbouze), a petty criminal who wishes to follow a crime-free life but is ultimately suffocated by the money he owes to Parisian gangsters. When the violent threats and debts become too much for him, he takes his place on a bridge with the intention of throwing himself off into The Seine. Before he jumps, he notices a woman with the same idea (Rie Rasmussen) and whilst Andre attempts to talk her out of jumping, she does. Andre then jumps in after her to save her from drowing. As they emerge from the water, she introduces herself as Angela and promises that she will devote her life to him (whatever that may entail), out of gratitude.

Luc Besson would have had a successful film on his hands if one were to rate it on looks alone. The gorgeous black and white visuals are immense, couple this with the spellbinding cinematography by Thierry Arbogast and this ranks as one of Besson's most stylish looking films to date. However, with poor chemistry between the two leads and weak dialogue to boot, Angel-A becomes frustratingly disjointed and tiresome. The story is not engaging enough and there is a distinct whiff of borrowed ideas and familiar territory covered. If the romance between Andre and Angela had been believable enough, then the film would have benefitted from an emotional payoff at the end. As it is, it ends up feeling forced and uncomfortable. It's a film you'll want to like but it simply needs to do alot more than look pretty.