JCVD (2008)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Mabrouk El Mechri

Writers:

Mabrouk El Mechri (scenario)
Frédéric Benudis (collaboration)

Release Date:

4 June 2008 (France)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Tagline:

Be Aware

Plot:

Between his tax problems and his legal battle with his wife for the custody of his daughter, these are...

Plot Keywords:

Movie Star | Criminal | Belgium | Shot In The Head | Police

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Jean-Claude Van Damme	...	J.C.V.D.
François Damiens	...	Bruges
Zinedine Soualem	...	L'homme au bonnet
Karim Belkhadra	...	Le vigile
Jean-François Wolff	...	Le trentenaire
Anne Paulicevich	...	La guichetière
Liliane Becker	...	Mère JCVD
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
François Beukelaers	...	Père JCVD
John Flanders	...	Prosecuting attorney
Saskia Flanders	...	J.C.V.D.'s daughter
Dean Gregory	...	Realisateur de Tobey Wood
Kim Hermans	...	Prisoner in kickboxing outfit
Janine Horsburgh	...	JCVD assistant
Vincent Lecuyer
Raphaëlle Lubansu
Steve Preston	...	Accessoiriste JCVD
Paul Rockenbrod	...	Tobey Wood
Alan Rossett	...	Bernstein
Norbert Rutili
Jesse Joe Walsh	...	Jeff
Leslie Woodhall	...	Prison visitor
Mourade Zeguendi

Also Known As:

Codename: JCVD (USA)
JCVD - The Movie (USA)
Le rois des Belges (Belgium: French title)
Project: JCVD (USA)
Van Dammage (USA)

MPAA:

Rated R for language and some violence.

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

Belgium | Luxembourg | France

Language:

French | English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | France:U | USA:R | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | UK:15 | Finland:K-15 | Netherlands:12 | Sweden:11 | Singapore:NC-16 | New Zealand:M

Filming Locations:

Brussels, Belgium

Company:

Samsa Film

Trivia:

In the opening intro scene, Jean-Claude Van Damme's comment about not being able to film in one shot was his own ad-lib, partly in response to Mabrouk El Mechri actually wanting to shoot the scene in one shot.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: Towards the end of the movie, after JCVD is taken into custody and Bruges talks to the SWAT's chief, as the camera moves up we can see on the ground the shadow of a microphone.

Quotes:

Policier: Central to Unit 27. Jean-Claude Van Damme's robbing a post office. I need back-up.

Movie Connections:

References À nos amours (1983)

Soundtrack:

Hard Times

Wow! One of the most original, dazzling films of the year!

Cinema rarely punches you in the face with originality these days. Be it re-makes or sequels, or the same films with different titles, it's often stagnated, boring and uninspiring, bar the exceptional re-inventions of genres, such as The Dark Knight. However one of the most unique and dumbfounding films of the year, stars, shockingly, the Muscles from Brussels, Jean Claude Van Damme! As a long time fan of JC's high kicking shenanigans, I've embraced the joy of some switch off the brain, simple carnage. A 360 spinning kick here, a roundhouse there. All good fun, but in truth, with all the depth of a toddlers paddling pool. I like Jean Claude, he's always had expressive eyes, and a kind of hidden promise of a proper actor behind the biceps. He's improved over the years, and in recent years has elevated a few of his straight to video flicks (Wake Of Death and Until Death in particular). Of course these roles weren't exactly brimming with depth, and if anything you get the sense Van Damme moulded the characters far beyond what no doubt was very minimal in the screenplay. Again, these were roles that could only go so far, only offer so much diversity and dimension. In JCVD however, Jean Claude breaks out of the constraints of DTV action spec, in his most challenging role…himself.

This is JC, as himself. A somewhat exaggerated version of himself, that on paper borrows well publicised events from JC's life, has fun with some aspects, but with a real sense of integrity. This isn't strictly auto-biographical, but JC gives such a heartfelt performance. Not only does he create a great movie character but also pours his heart out on screen. The story sees JC at his lowest ebb. He's losing custody of his daughter, struggling for money, suffering from a crisis of identity, and worst of all losing parts for films he doesn't really want to do, but needs the money, to Steven Seagal! A simple trip to the post office, results in Jean Claude being caught up in a robbery, one which he gets blamed for. Hostages expect him to save the day like his movie persona, but in reality JC has the same fears as anyone else, and simply wants to get out alive.

Van Damme's performance, is astonishing. He jumps off the screen and finally manages to be unhindered in what is his first fully formed character. Be it his emotiveness, comedic timing, or poignant delivery of the already famous, and utterly sensational monologue, Van Damme is just right on the money. He doesn't put a foot wrong. Added to this, JC is well supported by a very good cast. This is probably the best cast Van Damme has had to work with. Just good actors, who play off the main man well, and lend him fine support.

Director Mabrouck El Mechri is also a revelation! What a way to announce yourself to the film world. Far and away this is the best direction of any Jean Claude movie. Inventive, coherent, visually arresting, Mechri knows what he wants, knows what he's doing, and delivers. From the magnificent opening long take of Van Damme getting down to the business of making an action film, to the monologue, and everything in between and there-after, Mechri has a sure hand, loaded with imagination and style, without going overboard. He's well aided by a Bastard! That's the unfortunately named Pierre-Yves Bastard, the cinematographer. Elsewhere, the sound design is superb, the film is well edited, and the soundtrack, and score are excellent. In pretty much every department, this is the best I've seen throughout Van Damme's career. It's a cracking film, with clever touches, a witty script, top performances, and brilliant on a technical level. Mechri's obvious admiration for Scorsese, Lumet, Tarantino, amongst others, is clear, but all wrapped up in something very auteur and personal. The film doesn't play out chronologically, but the structure makes sense. Every time there's a time shift, it has a logic to it. It's very well constructed.

Overall, JCVD is an immensely satisfying and entertaining film. Funny, charming, poignant, and for Jean Claude, something very special. He could have a very good career re-birth as a character actor. I really hope he doesn't waste himself in action movies again. As far as the action stars go, this is probably the best performance of anyone since Stallone in Rocky, or Willis in Pulp Fiction. The script by Mechri, Benudis, and Turpin, has allowed an unbiased outside viewpoint to shape the character, while Van Damme's own experience and acting ability, add the extra layers to the fascinating construct. Sensibly Mechri doesn't allow the film to focus too much on the Dog Day Afternoon scenario. It's all about Van Damme, and what a character! *****