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Cinema du Look was a French film movement from the 1980s into the 1990s. As implied by the movement’s name, the focus of cinema du look was the “look,” or the visual aesthetic of the films. Filmmakers focused in on the underbelly of French society as well as French pop culture, creating a distinct visual atmosphere. Critics of cinema du look have accused filmmakers of using the philosophy of “style over substance,” concentrating on the mastery of technical aspects rather than story and character. However, cinema du look does have a distinct story aesthetic that parallels the visual and technical … Continue reading Genre Overview The Big Three Jean-Jacques Beineix Diva (1981), Betty Blue (1986), Roselyne et les lions (1989) Luc Besson Subway (1985), The Big Blue (1988), La Femme Nikita (1990), Léon: The Professional (1994) Leos Carax Boy Meets Gi*l (1984), Mauvais Sang (1986), The Lovers on the This still exemplifies the thematic ideas of alienation, misery, and doomed love present in cinema du look. Mathilda is the epitome of an outcast; she is a gi*l with no family or friends and no place to go. She falls in love with Léon, but that relationship is doomed from the start. Mathilda holding a gun to her head in despair, asking Léon to prove his love for her creates a representation of the dark thematic undertones, as well as an intriguing visual image. The stark contrast of a 12-year-old gi*l with a pistol held to her own head crafts … This still is another example of the theme of isolation that is present throughout cinema du look. The interplay of light and shadow on the faces of the kissing couple imply that it does not matter who they are, but rather who the main character Alex is not. The couple is in the foreground, and Alex is in the background, showing how he is isolated from his own life. The romance of the street, river, and street lamps juxtaposes the despair of Alex’s isolation, shaping a distinct visual style.   This still shows a different kind of isolation. Though opera singer Cynthia is surrounded by people listening to her sing, she is separate