Review of Nikita (1990) by Steven M — 02 Feb 2010
Besson makes great use of the distorted wide angle lense.
The pacing of the film's sequences allows time for very revealing character development- that is beautifully acted.
Besson remakes the kindof movie before only popular in Grindhouse films such as I Spit on Your Grave, Female Prisoner 701, Ms 45.
A smart well structured script keeps things fresh even if you can tell whats coming. It also has to smooth over some rather rough jumps in time- which it does better than most, considering.
Besson also excersises his ablity to turn wardrobe and framing into iconic imagery that will be branded on your mind forever-the shades-the vests- the boots- barrowing at times from films as diverse as Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Ive only seen a few movies that mix genres so well. Nikita seemingly mixing the chick flick make over movie with a male action film.
Besson really bases Nikita in a strong sense of reality and luckily Anne Parilaud gives a great performance. It reminds me of Cassavetes shot at commercial film with Gloria where typical action genre sequences where given the breadth of real drama that avoids the clishe and somehow reinvents these moments for us in a new and powerful way.
This review of Nikita (1990) was written by Steven M on 02 Feb 2010.
Nikita has generally received positive reviews.
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