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My Name Is Modesty
01/10/2004 . Source: Geoff Willmetts 
pub: DVD: TFI Video. EDV 1035. IDV 526. Price: £16.32 (Euro conversion). stars: Alexandra Staden, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Raymond Cruz, Fred Pearson and Eugenia Yuan. check out website: www.amazon.co.uk
Lucky things happen by accident. Looking around for Modesty Blaise items, I came up with this one and a little tracking through the French version of Amazon.com with Babelfish by my side to help with the translation secured me this item. I know it's not strictly SF but as there are many SF fans who are also Modesty Blaise fans, it took upon this editor to point this DVD out.
This is an unusual production financed by Quentin Tarantino and Miramax that actually has caught the essence of Peter O'Donnell's famous heroine at the start of her career and the beginning of The Network. If you come to this film looking for Willie Garvin then you'll be disappointed but it covers a lot of the things you've read about Modesty taking over Louche's criminal organisation after his assassination.
A side-plot also covers her upbringing as an orphan in the Balkans protecting her teacher as they wander from refugee camps. This is a brilliantly set-up film with loads of attention to detail, mood and setting that will have you on the edge of your seat with all the twists it provides at the end.
Don't be deceived by the DVD cover, Modesty's hair is just hanging down and she's still growing her longer hair in its more heightened look in the film. Actress Alexandra Staden fits the role to a tee from the slightly bigger mouth to the mischievous look in her eyes as she ensures everyone gets what they deserve.
What is more amazing is that this is an English-speaking film with French sub-titles that can't be removed with the menu options. It isn't difficult to tune them out while watching but I'm also hoping that the DVD will have a proper English release sometime without them. Then again, those of us who tend to pick up anything Modesty are sure to want this original release.
Hopefully, encouraging sales for this DVD will also encourage a second film. With so many fine believable and well-cast actors and actresses here, wouldn't you love to find out who'd they'd get to play Willie Garvin?
This film is a brilliant non-camp version of Modesty Blaise that we've all being waiting for with a production crew who's given the Princess a serious film at long last. Don't leave it off your shopping list.
GF Willmetts
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