David Leitch initially known for the John Wick saga (currently in charge of Deadpool 2), returns this week with Atomic Blonde. This gripping and fast-paced English thriller is brilliantly carried by Charlize Theron, James McAvoy and John Goodman.
In line with Guy Ritchie's cinema
David Leitch knows his references and is very inspired by Guy Ritchie's cinema. An English filmmaker hated by critics in his own country, this director has nevertheless managed to create a strong artistic identity and a style of his own. Clipped direction in the manner of Sherlock Holmes, a rhythm always sustained in the manner of King Arthur, varied universes and an unshakeable "coolitude" in the manner of his masterpiece Snatch. But the comparison does not stop there, since Atomic Blonde deals with confrontations during the fall of the Berlin Wall, which is reminiscent of Guy Ritchie's buddy-movie Man from Uncle. Atomic Blonde is therefore an extremely rhythmic film, with interesting and original staging ideas. The characters are colorful, the situations fun and offbeat and the rhythm of the action is perfectly balanced. Atomic Blonde is in line with a lively cinema, dominated by Guy Ritchie, Danny Boyle, Matthew Vaughn and Tarantino. David Leitch is also inspired by Nicolas Winding Refn for his treatment of light. By playing on neon lights, David Leitch happily tries to play with a nostalgia that is omnipresent today in cinema, without forgetting to bring a certain modernization in aesthetics. Even the music oscillates between the 1980s and today.
Top entertainment
Leaving aside a relatively wobbly, simplistic storyline and insipid secondary characters, Atomic Blonde is a high-end entertainment. Charlize Theron is mesmerizing. Never sublimated, she is presented vividly in the skin of a strong protagonist, overwhelmed by events, successively hunter and prey. James McAvoy signs his classic but convincing role of hothead handsome kid and gifted in the line of Garbage! or Trance. David Leitch regularly tries to make his film classy. Some will shout turnip, claiming that the background is neglected for form. However, this very applied entertainment is certainly worth the detour despite its light scenario. But it was when David Leitch decided to film the action that all his talent emerged. It demonstrates its mastery of space, its ability to keep bodies moving, as well as a fluid camera. The fight scenes are stunning, dominated by a unique and innovative mastery. Atomic Blonde has only two big action scenes including that of the building, which stands out for unforgettable hand-to-hand combat. David Leitch controls his camera perfectly, and offers superb choreography for intense and realistic fights. Charlize Theron has nothing to envy to her male counterparts and David Leitch shows that he could be a director to follow in the field of action. So we are looking forward to Deadpool 2.
Atomic Blonde is not an auteur film thought and written but a totally fun, well dosed, well paced and always captivating entertainment. A little well-deserved action shoot in this summer period. Charlize Theron adds a new role to her career while David Leitch trains for the antihero in red tights.
