Looking round for articles online about the history of French cinema, (as you do!)I found out about a French film movement that appeared in the 80's called cinéma du look.Looking round for details about what titles were from the movement,I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I had unintentionally picked up one of the movies from the movement recently, which led to me getting ready to take a look at du diva.

The plot:

With opera singer Cynthia Hawkins saying that she will never record an album,a super fan (and post office worker) called Jules decides to go to a concert and make a bootleg recording.After making the recording,Jules gets the chance to go backstage and meet Hawkins.Walking out from the backstage,Jules decides to steal Hawkins performance gown as a memento to the concert.

Just before Jules starts up his moped to get away from the venue,a prostitute called Nadia slips a cassette into Jules rucksack containing a recording which reveals that the head of police is corrupt,just before two gangsters kill her.Driving off unaware of Nadia,Jules soon finds the law and the underworld to desperate to hear his secret recordings.

View on the film:

Rolling out as one of the first cinéma du look titles,co- writer/(along with Jean Van Hamme)director Jean-Jacques Beineix & cinematographer Philippe Rousselot glaze the film in exploding primary colours.Following Jules attempts to outrun the cops/gangsters with ultra-stylised tracking shots giving the title an on the streets urgency, Beineix and Rousselot unveil a lush pop- art world,where freshly squeezed red,yellows and blues give the film a chic comic- book atmosphere.

Focusing on the surface in their adaptation of Daniel Odier's novel, (the first in a series of books) Beineix and Jean Van Hamme make sure to keep the glitter lit by taking Jules run-ins in deliciously quirky directions,from the two sun-glass wearing "amateur" hit men,to Hawkins being an "Artist" diva.Showing Jules to be a bit of a stalker,the writers stay away from darkness to whip up a light and fluffy connection between Jules and Hawkins,as Jules fandom brings out a sweet sensitivity in Hawkins.

Performing the songs with her own incredible voice, Wilhelmenia Fernandez gives a terrific performance as Hawkins,whose strongly held perfectionist side is given a wicked playfulness,as Hawkins uncovers Jules fandom.Driving over a sea of pulp colours, Frédéric Andréi gives a very good performance as Jules,with Andréi giving Jules a deer in the headlights appearance over everyone being after his secret recording,as Jules meets his dream diva.

Two tapes, an opera lover, thugs, and a corrupt official are the center of "Diva," a French film from 1981.

When a woman being chased drops a tape into a mailman's pouch, an opera-loving postman, Jules (Frédéric Andréi), finds himself involved in murder and mayhem.

Jules has recently secretly recorded his opera idol, Cynthia Hawkins (Wilhemina Wiggins Fernandez) in a concert. She has never been recorded and refuses to make any. Apparently she only sings one aria in this concert, "Ebben! Ne andro lontana" (I will go far away) from La Wally, or at least that's all we hear her sing and all Jules listens to on tape.

Jules becomes a target for men who want the tape the woman put into his mailbag, which incriminates a government official in prostitution. Fortunately, before his place is trashed; he asks a new friend, Alba (Thuy An Luu) to keep the Hawkins recording for him.

Really excellent film with great chase scenes, including an exciting motorcycle chase which even involves the French subway.

The Paris location adds an atmospheric layer.

Fernandez is a stunning diva, and a good actress, but I had some trouble with her vocal production. It's a beautiful voice, but I've heard the La Wally aria sung better. She did a much better job on the Ave Maria and the part of "O patria mia" she sang, which were easier and more lyrically sung.

Highly recommended for the acting, its intricate plot, its dark Parisian streets, and beautiful music.