Cinema
Diva
Jean-Jacques Beineix · 1981
Synopsis
Jules, a young Parisian postman, worships Cynthia Hawkins, an American soprano whose recital he secretly records. The same day, another cassette, containing revelations about corrupt policemen, ends up in his bag. The young man then finds himself hunted both by record pirates, who covet his recording, and by gangsters sent in search of the second tape.
Context
The film is adapted from a novel by Daniel Odier. Its style, which favours the image, at first disconcerted its producers. Released in March 1981, it had a difficult start in France before being noticed at the Toronto festival, then finding a large audience. It is seen as the birth certificate of what critics called the cinéma du look. The music is by Vladimir Cosma and the cinematography by Philippe Rousselot.
Who it is for
Nearly two hours; a highly stylised thriller, in which image and music matter more than the plot.
Prizes and reception
Four César Awards in 1982: best first work, best music, best cinematography and best sound.
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