Nico, 1988

By the late 1980s, Nico, the mythical star that Andy Warhol cultivated to add a feminine dimension to The Velvet Underground, was considered legend of the past. Prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall, she goes on tour with her band, performing in all sorts of seedy joints. She is oblivious to her heroin addiction but is desperate to rehabilitate her addict son. This biographical detail enables director Susanna Nicchiarelli to flaunt her talent. Crystel Fournier’s camera offers dark images and abundant energy, but it is mainly Trine Dyrholm’s dazzling performance—with long black hair and chilling gaze—that takes us deep into the heart and soul of this fragile character. Winner of the Venice FF Horizons Award.