Luc Besson’s first film in several years explores the relationship between Andre (Jamel Debbouze), down on his luck and suicidal, and the enchanting if enigmatic Angela (Rie Rasmussen) who embarks upon a mission to change his life.
Needless to say from a Besson work, Angel-A is a highly stylised affair; Paris is portrayed in an absolutely captivating manner – calm yet utterly beautiful – and the visual contrast between Angela’s towering glamour and Andre’s short, distinctive demeanour makes for a focal extravaganza. Besson’s depiction of Angela as the typical glamorous blonde in a tight black dress is almost a throwback to the Eighties but… well, she looks great.
Whilst Angel-A is overwhelmingly romantic and fantastical, a conversely realistic dialogue embeds a sense of realism that prevents a descent into fluffier, sentimental material. Angela acts as Andre’s support network; an approach that is equally as uplifting to the audience. Occasionally everything gets somewhat daft, but generally Angel-A is a curio brimming with intrigue.
