Tuesday, Film4, 1:20am
“Mona Lisa” (1986) is the kind of film that sneaks up on you – a gritty British neo-noir that’s as much about bruised souls as it is about London’s criminal underbelly. Directed by Neil Jordan, the film stars Bob Hoskins as George, a small-time ex-con who lands a gig chauffeuring a high-class call girl named Simone, played by Cathy Tyson. What starts as a job gradually entangles George in a web of violence, forbidden love, and moral ambiguity. Hoskins delivers a masterclass in vulnerability beneath his tough exterior, earning him a BAFTA and an Oscar nomination. It’s a noir where the shadows are cast not just by the streetlights but by the characters themselves.
Now, let’s talk about the music. Mona Lisa's soundtrack may not come with sweeping orchestral scores or grand symphonies, but it oozes atmosphere. Michael Kamen, best known for Lethal Weapon and Die Hard, brings a delicate, jazz-infused touch to the proceedings. The soundtrack perfectly mirrors the melancholic tone of the film – smooth, with an edge of danger lurking beneath the surface. And of course, Nat King Cole’s “Mona Lisa” plays a pivotal role, adding a layer of romanticism and tragic irony to the film’s title and core themes. Few songs encapsulate longing and heartbreak quite like Cole crooning “Are you warm, are you real, Mona Lisa?”
Collectors might have to dig a little for the Mona Lisa soundtrack, but it’s worth the effort. It’s not just a time capsule of 80s British cinema; it’s a reminder of how crucial music is in elevating mood and character. Kamen’s work here might not have the bombast of his later scores, but its subtlety and soul make it an unsung classic. Much like the film, it lingers – not loud, but deeply felt.
- Paul Allen