Quand j'étais chanteur (2006) Directed by Xavier Giannoli
Drama / Romance
Film Review
With his third and best film to date, director Xavier Giannoli continues to
pick up plaudits from the critics and is fast gaining a reputation as
one of France's most promising young filmmakers. Although
possibly less interesting than his previous Les corps impatient (2003) and Une aventure (2005), Quand j'étais chanteur is a
well-realised depiction of a romance across the generation gap,
convincingly portrayed by Gérard Depardieu and Cécile De
France, well-written and stylishly directed.
Fans of the great Gérard Depardieu - of whom there are legion -
will be delighted to see the actor crooning the many songs in this film
entirely undubbed, and doing
quite a respectable job of it. It may only be a matter of time
before Depardieu embarks on a new career as a singer....
Cécile De France is no less impressive and is perfectly cast in
the part of a fragile young woman who, with one one failed relationship
under her belt, seems unwilling and unable to make a fresh start.
It is her moving on-screen rapport with Depardieu that makes this film
so poignant and so memorable.
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Next Xavier Giannoli film: À l'origine (2009)
Film Synopsis
Alain Moreau is a singer in his fifties who earns a modest crust by performing
at private functions and lonely heart clubs in his home town, Clermont-Ferrand.
One evening, a friend of his, an estate agent named Bruno, introduces him
to his colleagues, who include Marion, a woman in her late twenties.
Instantly drawn to Marion, Alain is surprised to learn that she is a single
mother who, despite her full-time job, manages to bring up a six-year-old
child by herself. Alain and Marion seem to have much in common - both
are solitary individuals who are drifting through life with no clear objective
in sight. They spend the night together, but the next day Marion leaves
without saying a word. When Alain sees her again, she insists that
she is not looking for a relationship. Realising that Marion needs
him as much as he needs her, Alain continues to see her by posing as a house
hunter...
Cast:Gérard Depardieu (Alain Moreau),
Cécile De France (Marion),
Mathieu Amalric (Bruno),
Christine Citti (Michèle),
Patrick Pineau (Daniel),
Jean-Pierre Gos (Le maire),
Antoine de Prekel (Martin),
Monique Gailleurd (Organisateur Soirée),
Alain Kruger (Médecin),
Patrick Bordier (Responsable Palais),
Jean-Paul Combes (Patron Aquarius),
Serge Godenaire (Maitre d'hôtel),
Marie Kremer (Laurence),
Catherine Salviat (Mme Laville),
Cécile Auclert (Blonde),
Camille De Pazzis (Jenifer),
Grégory Valais (Fabrice),
Danielle Chanone (Fan),
Gilles Dumesnil (Patron relais),
Fabrice Guenon (Guitariste)
Country: France
Language: French
Support: Color
Runtime: 90 min
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