I saw two French themed movies this weekend. Thoughts below in everyway express the opinion of me. La Vie En Rose
Warning: Potential spoilers below.
This French film (subtitled in English) of the tempestuous life of the iconic French singer Edith Piaf (1915-1963) utilizes a deconstructed temporal narrative that lends an epic weight to this biopic. Her tale, of which many details are still vague and contested, is quite an amazing one: Born Edith Gassion to her busker mom (a singer) and circus father (a contortionist), she was later abandoned to live with her grandmother who ran brothel. For a significant period of her young childhood at the brothel, she was blind--an ironic development considering the inappropriate environment, despite the nurturing attention of the prostitutes especially one in particular who acted as a surrogate mother. The theme of temporary proxy parental units would remain a consistent theme throughout her life. As a young teen, she joined her father as part of joint street act where her singing talent revealed itself. Eventually singing on her own in the streets, she was discovered by an owner of a popular nightclub who, despite Edith's evident lack of physical charisma and initial discomfort on stage, would provide her first big break, as well as designate a stage name "La Mome Piaf" (The Sparrow Kid) that Edith would later adopt as her own--Edith Piaf (Piaf being slang for 'sparrow.'). Along with her passion for singing--her life essence really--on stage, she never lost her crude street mannerisms and bibulous tastes. Nonetheless, her voice catapulted her to the national and global stage.
Rather than a celebration or story of triumph, the movie seems to fetishistically focus on the painfully depressing aspects of her life: her lifelong physical awkwardness, the whorehouse upbringing, her alcoholism and morphine addiction to name just a few. As a result the film ultimately fails in providing a nuanced portrayal.
One walks away from the movie asking if it was all worth it. Edith would say "absolutely," but the film seems to suggest otherwise.
Two stars out of five. Just because it's French doesn't mean it's good.
Ratatouille
(I can't believe I spelled this movie title correctly on my first try!)
Animated film powerhouse Pixar hits another one out of the ballpark and without the aid of steroids.
Communicating dual themes of individualism and family, this is a brilliant tale of a talented epicurean French rat (an interesting pick of a sympathetic creature if one wants to think too hard about it) partnering with a clueless dishwasher boy at a famed Parisian restaurant to fulfill both of their dreams. While utilizing familiar tropes found in other animated movies such as the protagonist's separation from their family and the punchline sidekick, Ratatouille delectably blends traditional themes with contemporary ones that reflects for instance, France's multicultural population. The result is a hilarious story, with some audience gasping surprise moments, as well as the expected Pixar trademark dazzling animation. Moreover, it provides a level of sophistication that avoids bludgeoning the adult viewer (Calling Shrek, calling Shrek...). The only flaw, and a major disappointing one for me, was the questionable ethnic stereotyping of the villain--a Fu Manchu mustache wearing, vertically challenged head chef of some vague brown heritage.
Nonetheless, who knew rats could be so cute and creative in the kitchen.
The pre-feature short animated film, which I won't ruin for you here, is also one of the most hilarious things I've ever seen. Four and a half stars out of five. Must eat see animated movie of this summer!