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Gainsbourg: vie héroïque
2010-01-22 20:45
'Gainsbourg, Life of a Hero' is the first film by Nice-born comic-strip artist Joann Sfar, who until now has been more well-known - justly so - for his 'Donjon' fantasy books.
The movie traces the bohemian life of the celebrated playboy singer. Making a first film is always a risky business, but Sfar has pulled it off, leaving the viewer with an indelible imprint of Gainsbourg the star, who nearly twenty years after his death is still hugely popular in France.
Sfar has certainly taken chances, casting the hardly-known Eric Elmosnino in the role of Serge Gainsbourg. It's almost certain that playing the role in this extremely beautifully-shot film will make him as celebrated as his co-stars Laetitia Casta as Brigitte Bardot and Anna Mouglalis who plays Juliette Gréco.
Singer Jane Birkin, who became Gainsbourg's lover and the mother of his daughter Charlotte, is played superbly by British actress Lucy Gordon. Gordon apparently committed suicide last May shortly after shooting the film. but this dark shadow does not seem to have dented the film's reputation or enthusiastic reception.
At the moment the film is playing only in French. In terms of its likely success, one imagines it will be only a matter of time before it will be available with subtitles.
The film is playing at Cinema Pathe - Massena, Nice at the following times this week: 10.55am, 1.40pm. 4.30pm. 7.20pm and 10.10pm
Laura Governatori