During this year’s festival Bellatofifest The viewers had a unique opportunity to see the big six of Luc Besson on the big screen. A set of films was presented that best define the style of the French director. In the film section, next to the iconic “Leon professional” (1994), there were such titles as “Metro” (1985), “Wielki Błękit” (1988), “Nikita” (1990), “Fifth Element” (1997) and “Joanna d’Arc” (1999).
The leitmotif of the festival was an anti -hero with a sensitive heart, i.e. the title Leon portrayed by Jean Reno. This is undoubtedly the most important film in Besson’s achievements and one of the most iconic paintings of the 90s, which has permanently entered the history of cinema.
Leon is a lonely, withdrawn paid killer with a harsh but not without the principles of the moral code. His orderly life is turned upside down when he meets 12-year-old Mathilda (in a breakthrough role of Natalie Portman). After the massacre, made by the unpredictable agent Dea (brilliant Gary Oldman) on her family, the girl is looking for revenge.
“Leon Professional” is a film that not only strengthened Besson’s position on an international stage, but also enrolled as one of the bravest and most poignant portraits of interpersonal relationships in the action cinema. The production in 1996 was awarded the Czech lion for the best foreign film. On the other hand, the iconic Lenonka glasses, in which Leon or Mathilda’s plant paraded, permanently went to pop culture.
One of Luc Besson’s earliest films, or “Metro”, was also presented at the festival. The main character, Fred (Christopher Lambert), is a charismatic burgler who, after a failed jump, escapes to the French underground. There he meets eccentric musicians, artists and small criminals. However, his relationship with Helena comes to the fore.Isabelle Adjani), which Fred … just robbed. A strange but fascinating bond is born between two heroes.
“Metro” is distinguished by dynamic assembly and claustrophobic, stuffy underground atmosphere. Almost tangible dirt is broken through the screen. The actor’s actually shines Christopher Lambert, who created one of the most characteristic creations in his career. He is accompanied by a young Isabelle Adjani, and Jean Reno himself also appears in the episodic role.
However, it cannot be denied that “Metro” does not match “Leon a professional.” The story is chaos. Dialogues can be overloaded with exposure. The final of the film also does not bring a satisfactory closings of history. Despite these shortcomings, “Metro” is an announcement of a style that Besson will develop in the following years: entertainment cinema with an artistic fierce.
Read more: Masterpieces of French cinema. These films have moved viewers around the world