Rent Diva (1981)

Youthful artistic noir thriller from Paris, 1981 - Diva review by BW

Sophisticated Parisian thriller. Released in 1981, Diva retains much of its freshness today. There's a bold originality to the design of this film, particularly with the stylish interiors of the warehouse apartments of two of the principals here. I liked the naivete and pretentious cool of the young protagonist. As thrillers go, the plot is probably not high on originality. It draws from the sketchbook set by seventies American detective-gangster noirs. A subway chase scene here is well executed but rather blatantly lifted from The French Connection. There are flaws. The film is too long and the convolutions of the plot lost me towards the end (not unusual). Diva takes its title from an operatic diva whose singing is wonderful but this seems a little superfluous to the plot. Paris looks beautiful in a film that really captures the feel of the city and milieu. It's a well filmed piece with some beautiful scenes. The acting stands up. Diva has enough charm and energy to make it of interest for the contemporary viewer.