Serpico-7

Day for Night is a clever film in that it takes a step back from the cameras and is a film about a film. Whereas the Mousetrap in Hamlet was a relatively minor plot device, in Day for Night, Meet Mabel and its creation is the film. We see Truffaut as a director and actors as actors, with Truffaut's 'character' trying to cope with the troubled production of his film. As with Truffaut's other pictures there is a hint of the autobiographical, with various incidents drawn from his own experience. This film not only works at the two levels, but also on a number of others, and is both interesting drama, as well as being of interest for showing what goes on behind the cameras. A must for all those who want to be in the movies.

Leon one of a handful of action movies that works at a level beyond that of explosions and big guns. Admittedly it has both of these, and is very violent, but it also has a character all of its own.

Luc Besson blurs the lines of good and evil, and unlike others involved in this genre, actually portrays his 'action hero' as human rather than superhuman. Reno's portrayal of Leon is superb, and is neatly balanced by Gary Oldman's (a bad guy in good guy's shoes). What really makes the movie special is the relationship between Leon and Matilda (Natalie Portman). Slightly reminiscent, and certainly more effective, than that between De Niro and Foster in Taxi Driver, we see a somewhat disfunctional family unit form. It is not often that a film can be said to be exciting and deeply touching.

The film shows that when European and American cinema collide something extra special is created.

Gandhi was probably the most deserving Oscar winner of best picture in the 1980's. What really makes this film special is Ben Kingsley. Both the man and the movie required an exceptional performance, and that is what is delivered. All of the major events in India's push for independence are portrayed, though I do think that a greater Indian rather than British interpretation of these events is needed to make this film an all-time classic. A must-see.