Lucy (2014) (DVD film review).
The problem with any film idea comes from its execution. On paper, the idea of the film ‘Lucy’ is simple. Lucy (actress Scarlett Johansson), being forced to carry a new drug surgically implanted in her gut by crime boss Mr. Jang (actor Choi Min-Sik) finds the use of her brain going up from the usual ten per cent to using the lot after attacked. Along the way, she develops psionic and physical powers way beyond the norm. From a whimpering girl, Lucy becomes god-like but that’s getting away from the progress through the story as apart from evading Jang’s men, she also needs the other three portions of the drug and needs to coerce the police to help her and visit Professor Samuel Norman (actor Morgan Freeman) who is the nearest thing to an expert on brain development in the world.
The physical reality of the film, as written and directed by Luc Besson, becomes an action-packed Science Fiction film with some punch. Where you think might be CGI isn’t. The car chase is one of the most brilliant I’ve seen in a while and is sure to be amongst the top 10 once you’ve seen it.
Only by looking at the credits do you realise that it was physically realised and not CGI and all sped up. In fact, a lot of the film gets speeded up and you really do have to keep an eye on the screen to pick up all of what goes on. I’ll probably give a few weeks and watch again.
Although the ending is actually obvious, it’s the trip (sic) getting there that is fascinating and will allow some philosophising, especially as to Lucy’s actions. The drug itself is unstable and probably tested her resolve and why some things slipped behind her. Even so, why make things easy? There’s nearly 90 minutes to fill.
This is surely one of Luc Besson’s best films. I’m just surprised it hasn’t had more acclaim. The plot of developing omnipotence is a common theme in SF although rarely done these days. To be done so well here is breath-taking. Did I say I enjoyed this film?
GF Willmetts
September 2015
(region 2: pub: Universal. 1 DVD 89 minute film. ASIN: B00LSW6ZKS. Price: £ 4.99 (UK) if you know where to look)
Audio: English, German, Hindi, Turkey
Subtitles: English SDH, German, Arab, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Sweden, Turkish and Hindi
cast: Scarlett Johansson, Choi Min-Sik and Morgan Freeman
check out website: www.universalpictures.co.uk