Review of Angel-A (2005) by Chris S — 03 Jun 2008

This is one of those films that people who think they know a lot about cinema, but really don't, will rave about to impress their peers, whereas those actually in the know - such as yours truly - will see it for the average work it actually is. Which is disappointing as I really had high hopes for this one given the director and story premise. So what went wrong?

Firstly, the black and white photography is actually quite flat and not at all like the smoky, high contrast photography shown on the DVD box art and poster. (Indeed, it almost feels as if Besson actually shot Angel-A in colour, which he then turned down in order to make the end result seem better than it actually is!) Secondly - and I appreciate I may seem churlish here given that the story is basically a fairy tale - the script is rife with plot holes. For example, we are led to believe that Angela has sex with a string of dodgy men in a nightclub toilet in order to help pay off Andre's debts, yet it is actually revealed later on that she is knocking her clients out instead of making the beast with two backs with them. Which then begs the question, how come one particularly obnoxious client keeps coming back for more?! And what kind of examples (prostitution, GBH) are they for an angel to set anyway?! Thirdly...I could go on, but I'd rather throw myself off a bridge. (Not that jumping off the bridge shown in this film would actually appear to kill you, in which case why did Andre choose it for his suicide bid in the first place?).

It may be a wonderful life, but Angel-A is only an average movie. (Still want to borrow it Richard?!).