Neil Jordan always has a way to direct his actors where they have to feel and absorb the characters' emotions. Similar to his other films, the viewers experience the somber side of the characters. In the case of Mona Lisa, Bob Hoskins and Cathy Tyson roles transport us to a 'dirty' world of sex and drugs where the dark facade of London is revealed. And their journey together starts from there.
If you loved THE CRYING GAME, i absolutely recommend this film. It has a similar story but portrayed in a different environment.
"Well, let's say you're a lady. " - George (Bob Hoskins)
Neil Jordan's 'Mona Lisa' is a great film that was sadly forgotten over time, even though Hoskins got an Oscar nomination for the film. 'Mona Lisa' follows a basically good guy whose made some bad choices George (Bob Hoskins) and his return from prison. Shunned from his wife and some of his old buddies, George feels kind of unwanted but gets a job from his old boss (Michael Caine) chauffeuring a call girl (Cathy Tyson) around at night. The call girl and George form a bond, while the story turns into violence, crime and George and the call girl's search for a young innocent teenage girl forced into prostitution. In my opinion, 'Mona Lisa' is one of Jordan's best films if not his best. Hoskins is absolutely amazing in his role, while Cathy Tyson and Michael Caine provide solid performances as well. Clarke Peters (who you may know as Detective Freeman from HBO's brilliant dramatic series 'The Wire') is also in this as Cathy Tyson's evil and psychotic pimp. For all you indie fans out there, rush to the Blockbuster near you to rent 'Mona Lisa' (make sure it's not 'Mona Lisa Smile', that movie is a tad bit different.) Most likely, you'll find a lot to enjoy and/or admire about this little British indie gem. Grade: B+
My second time around with this movie. Touching and very sad. Love that is offered and lost. Brilliant parts by Bob Hoskins as the driver and Cathy Tyson as the coloured hooker. London underworld with tough but lovable thug Bob Hoskins. Just out of prison, he's given a job by his old boss (Michael Caine) as chauffeur to a gorgeous but chilly call girl (Cathy Tyson). For all his criminal experience, this guy is surprisingly innocent; when he develops a crush on the woman he's driving, it leads inevitably to tragedy. Hoskins is heartbreakingly good as this poor, thick sod, while Caine projects an oily malevolence. Tyson is also fine as a woman who has secrets of her own. Another earthy tale from the UK this time of London's seedier side
An extremely grim but strangely romantic gangster film with strong performances all round and an intelligent script. Michael Caine is obviously enjoying playing the part of the bad guy for a change but it's probably a little bleak for many tastes.
Ex-con bob Hoskins goes to his old boss (Michael Caine) for a job and is given the task of driving an exotic prostitute around London. This film marked the debut of the luminous Cathy Tyson, sadly underused and unappreciated these days. We need to see more of this exceptional actress.
I was pleasantly surprised by the strong interactions from both leads (Hoskins and Tyson) who portray a flourishing friendship which turns out to be a one-sided affair for poor George (Hoskins).
Like most British crime films, this one is no different in its negative documents of inner city nightlife. I found the film very gritty and quite rightly so. This is the type of film that keeps the British film industry aflame. Yet another wonderful film from Handmade.
I would highly recommend this too anyone interested in British cinema and seeing some fantastic performances, especially from Bob Hoskins who sort of reprises his role from 'The Long Good Friday'.
Just outside my top 20, Neil Jordan and Bob Hoskins with the incredibly sexy Cathy Tyson. Even Michael Caine gets in on the act with a cameo "Nasty" piece.
My inclusion of Mona Lisa is probably more reflective of the time and memory of watching it when it came out. Even so, its Still one of the all time great British gangster flicks.
MCT:February 16, 2008
MCT:February 12, 2008
MCT:December 30, 2007
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MCT:August 11, 2007
MCT:July 14, 2007
