NICOLAS PROVOST
The Invader
Movie[72/100]
07/02/2013, Didier BECU
The famous nudescene that featured topmodel Hannelore Knuts was the main reason why the Belgian movie The Invader was the subject in lots of tabloids. It’s true that this was quite a scene to remember, but still the debut by Nicolas Provost (who previously only made short experimental movies) is so much more than this. Unfortunately the movie also made the headlines because of the sudden death of actor Dieudonné Kabongo who died during the viewing of the movie in Brussels. But of course, anyone who cares about movies cherised The Invader because of its cinematographic merits. It was no surprise that the movie got a prestigious award during the Filmfestival of Ghent in 2011
If you hear the story before then it’s because the tragic story of this refugee is an universal one. Amadou is an African refugee who seeks his fortune in Brussels. Just like so many others he gets a lousy job. The little money he derserves disappears in the pocket from a landowner. The truth is that he came to another country for a better life. Amadou is not the most gentle person you’ll meet on this planet as the harsh life commands him to survive. If he has to use other people to reach his goals then he’ll do it, just like he does with Agnes.
The Invader is not a feelgoodmovie. No, there’s little or no hope in sight and you don’t have to expect a Spielbergian happy ending. Life’s cruel and Provost shows this. On the dvd you can also see some short movies Provost made and the influences from that period are perfectly seen in his debut. A dark tale which makes you think, or at least that’s the goal of it.
Didier BECU
07/02/2013
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