Introduction
-
Susan Hayward
Abstract
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to cover a broad range of issues in Luc Besson's films, and to use analytical tools developed in Film Studies during the same period as Besson's work. It shows how Besson uses strategies of production development and marketing promotion that have for many years been recommended by economic experts as the best way of overcoming the crisis of European cinema. Focusing on the relationship between physical environment and personal psychology, the book demonstrates how claustrophobia in Subway's subterranean setting is hijacked and rerouted as an alternative space. It explores the relationship between the 'French' Besson and the 'American' Besson. The book begins with a key article on the cinéma du look for the Revue du cinéma in 1989 by experimental filmmaker and film critic Raphael Bassan.
Abstract
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to cover a broad range of issues in Luc Besson's films, and to use analytical tools developed in Film Studies during the same period as Besson's work. It shows how Besson uses strategies of production development and marketing promotion that have for many years been recommended by economic experts as the best way of overcoming the crisis of European cinema. Focusing on the relationship between physical environment and personal psychology, the book demonstrates how claustrophobia in Subway's subterranean setting is hijacked and rerouted as an alternative space. It explores the relationship between the 'French' Besson and the 'American' Besson. The book begins with a key article on the cinéma du look for the Revue du cinéma in 1989 by experimental filmmaker and film critic Raphael Bassan.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of tables and figures vii
- List of contributors viii
- Preface x
- Introduction 1
- 1 Three French neo-baroque directors 11
- 2 Du côté d’Europa, via Asia 23
- 3 Musical narration in the films of Luc Besson 43
- 4 Hearing Besson 57
- 5 Of suits and men in the films of Luc Besson 75
- 6 From rags to riches 91
- 7 The sinking of the self 109
- 8 Imprisoned freedoms 121
- 9 Nikita 135
- 10 Léon and the cloacal labyrinth 147
- 11 Jeanne d’Arc 161
- 12 An unpublished interview with Luc Besson 175
- Filmography 179
- Select bibliography 189
- Index of proper names and film titles 193
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of tables and figures vii
- List of contributors viii
- Preface x
- Introduction 1
- 1 Three French neo-baroque directors 11
- 2 Du côté d’Europa, via Asia 23
- 3 Musical narration in the films of Luc Besson 43
- 4 Hearing Besson 57
- 5 Of suits and men in the films of Luc Besson 75
- 6 From rags to riches 91
- 7 The sinking of the self 109
- 8 Imprisoned freedoms 121
- 9 Nikita 135
- 10 Léon and the cloacal labyrinth 147
- 11 Jeanne d’Arc 161
- 12 An unpublished interview with Luc Besson 175
- Filmography 179
- Select bibliography 189
- Index of proper names and film titles 193
