Discover
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Marion Cotillard
Songs -
Alain Goldman
Producer -
Hugh Welchman
Visual Effects Supervisor -
Roberto De Angelis
Steadicam Operator -
Olivier Dahan
Director -
Hal Couzens
Visual Effects Supervisor -
Stephanie Hovette
Wigmaker -
Stéphane Cressend
Set Decoration
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CinemaSerf 4/3/2022 7:01:29 PM
Marion Cotillard is super in this depiction of the life of French chanteuse Édith Piaf - from her upbringing in a brothel through the stages of her life that moulded this flawed but inspirational, and rather sad, woman into the truly international superstar that she became. Her performance is captivating; capturing the mannerisms and characteristics in a gritty, sympathetic and authentic fashion; leaving us in no doubt as to the thin emotional tightrope Piaf walked between sanity and, eventually, a drug-induced stupor and of the risks that involved not just for her, but those loyal (and not so much) around her. It is long, and at times Olivier Dahan takes a rather brutal approach to the chronology that can take a bit of getting used to; but the supporting performances - especially from Pacsal Gregory (Barrier) and Jean-Pierre Martins (Cerdan) add a richness as important as the imagery. These, as well as a thoroughly plausible script contribute really well to the overall mix and assist with an overall creative storyline that was always going to be pretty bumpy at the best of times. The film is, ultimately, about a singer - and the vast majority of the songs make no bones about using the original - and exquisitely performed vocals. I've seen many biopics - but few as good as this.
Marion Cotillard
Edith PiafGérard Depardieu
Louis LepléeEmmanuelle Seigner
TitineWilliam Armstrong
Clifford FisherSylvie Testud
Simone 'Mômone' BerteautPascal Greggory
Louis BarrierAlain Figlarz
Boxing trainerDenis Ménochet
Journalist in Orly