8 Imprisoned freedoms
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Mark Orme
Abstract
This chapter explores the relationship between subjects and their spatial situation with reference to Subway and Nikita, with particular emphasis being placed on the two principal protagonists of each film, Fred and Nikita. It examines how Luc Besson exploits the films' settings in revealing the emotional state of the two seemingly equivalent characters, and also explores how space is used as a vehicle for communicating a sense of 'imprisoned freedom' on which each film pivots. The chapter demonstrates the link between physical environment and personal psychology in the construction of gender and identity differs markedly in the two films at issue. To conclude, both Subway and Nikita are set in underground environments, each defined by a sense of 'imprisoned freedom'; but, it demonstrates, the interaction of space and identity differs significantly in the two films.
Abstract
This chapter explores the relationship between subjects and their spatial situation with reference to Subway and Nikita, with particular emphasis being placed on the two principal protagonists of each film, Fred and Nikita. It examines how Luc Besson exploits the films' settings in revealing the emotional state of the two seemingly equivalent characters, and also explores how space is used as a vehicle for communicating a sense of 'imprisoned freedom' on which each film pivots. The chapter demonstrates the link between physical environment and personal psychology in the construction of gender and identity differs markedly in the two films at issue. To conclude, both Subway and Nikita are set in underground environments, each defined by a sense of 'imprisoned freedom'; but, it demonstrates, the interaction of space and identity differs significantly in the two films.
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- 12 An unpublished interview with Luc Besson 175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
