Categories: films
Date: 22 November 2007 22:52:04
Because of the shenanigans over the advertising job (see previous post), there was some doubt earlier in the week as to whether I would be able to go to the cinema this evening with a friend. As I was free after all, we decided to go and see “Quand j'étais chanteur” (The Singer) with Gérard Depardieu in the title role. The film tells the story of middle-aged Alain, a resident singer and recognised personality at the local dance hall. He is stuck in a routine of regular gigs, crooning for his fifty-something fans at tea dances, and it seems he has reached the limit of what he can achieve in life. Then, out of the blue, he meets and falls for Marion, a single mother half his age. The rest of the film is concerned with the question of whether they will get together or if Marion will hold out against Alain's advances.
The style of the film is very French (hardly surprising, I suppose) and enjoyable, although there are a few scenes which seem a little superfluous - basically because the point has already been made. I recognised the supporting actor as being Mathieu Amalric, the lead actor in “Le scaphandre et le papillon” which I saw a couple of weeks ago. He could hardly be described as being “supporting” in one sense as he was also falling for the charms of the beautiful Marion (Cécile de France). Depardieu has a good singing voice (he did his own singing - I checked!) - good enough for me to wonder after the second or third song if I could get hold of the CD of the film's soundtrack.
As with the recent “Ashes and Diamonds”, the subtitles were a bit patchy. My friend was irritated by the American style of the English - that did not bother me too much - I was more irritated by some of the subtitles which jolted the flow of the conversation. They just did not sound natural. I heard my friend “tut” on a couple of occasions which probably means the translation was not very correct....(she translates French professionally). Apparently, subtitlers are paid very badly (even worse than “ordinary” translators) and so I guess it is hardly surprising that the standard is a bit dodgy.
The film was enjoyable - and there was an unexpected added bonus. I discovered I was entitled to a free ticket as I am a “friend” of the cinema. And what's more...I'm entitled to another two free tickets to be used by the end of the year. Stand by for more reports from the cinema!