ny (07/15/82)
This is a French film, and I'm sorry to say that I don't really know the name of the director (he's new) or any of the actors who are in it. But it is an EXCELLENT film of a kind that they just don't seem to make in the U.S. anymore (if they ever did). It centers around an eighteen year old delivery boy who has a thing for opera. He sneaks a tape recorder into a performance of a famous American soprano who never records. After that his life (and no one else's it seems) is never the same. Immediately he becomes involved with international drug dealers, homocidal Taiwanese businessman, and other characters not so easily put into pigeonholes. It is fast paced, funny and leaves one feeling truly satisfied; I know I've really enjoyed a foreign film when I can leave it without really realizing it was subtitled, and that's what happened with "Diva." It flowed smoothly, ends well and doesn't take itself too seriously. It's not playing in too many places, so see it when you get a chance. - Gil Neiger
G:asa (07/15/82)
DIVA was directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix and stars Wilhelmenia Fernandez as the black soprano, Frederic Andrei as the 18-year-old hero, and Thuy An Luu as the 14-year-old heroine. The film is an utterly delightful mixture of romance, suspense, and non sequitor. The photography and camera-work are superb. (I particularly enjoyed the motorcycle chase through the Metro and the breakfast-in-bed in the lighthouse.) Mere description can't convey how enjoyable this film is--don't miss it! Pauline Kael claims that it "may remind you of Welles' TOUCH OF EVIL," which I think is ridiculous (the immediate comparison, I think, would be with Truffaut or de Broca), but redeems herself by concluding that "It's a mixture of style and chic hanky- panky, but it's genuinely sparkling." It is indeed. John Hevelin ...ucbvax!G:asa
tugs (07/16/82)
The director of Diva was somebody named Beneix, I think... Steve Hull
edler (07/19/82)
Diva is great. I saw it last night, and there is no doubt. This is an all-around enjoyable film, extremely well done. Everyone is saying that this has not been a good season, so don't let this one get away from you. Jan Edler ..!cmcl2!edler