A must watch - just for Marion Cotillard

Rating: 8/10 (23 March 2008)

I knew nothing about Edith Piaf until the Oscar buzz surrounding Marion Cotillard's performance in the eponymous film got my attention. When I read about the movie, the complete physical transformation that Cotillard undertakes is what surprised me the most. I have seen 'Jeux D'enfants' (another really good movie) and 'A Good Year' both starring Marion; but this role for Marion? I didn't think so. She went on to win the Oscar for Best Actress and curiosity got the better of me - I saw this film yesterday. And I am glad I did. That this film is based on Edith Piaf's life is known but the manner in which the singer handles her ups and downs is depicted very touchingly here. The film moves back and forth in time where one track shows her slow but meteoric rise to taste fame and fortune while the other traces her steady downfall - her ill-health, her addiction, her heart-break and pain that eventually leads to the end. In the process, we get to see not only the singer in her - the wonderful / passionate voice was always there but the transformation of a lonely quiet child longing for love and home to a strong-willed woman who tries her best to live life her way but at times had to give in to people who tried to use her talent for money. But the movie also shows her associations with men who knew her voice was a 'find' and helped her get what she truly deserved professionally. From the bars to the theatre - the journey had its ups and downs but Edith's spirit to brave it all and sing - just sing - comes across very well. Piaf's loyalty towards her friends (and vice-versa too) and acceptance of the fact that she will never be with the love of her life is so beautifully portrayed that we empathize with her and really like her through her tantrums, stubbornness and outrageous behaviour. The tracks meet at the fag end of the movie, well-deservedly at a last concert -L'Olympia- when she sings a song that describes her journey and herself - a fitting finale to the voice that ruled France and the US till the 60's. The cast very well chosen and each one is just so correct for the role. Gerald Depardieu was as usual a stand-out. But the best is undoubtedly Marion Cotillard. I don't know if I would have recognized her if I hadn't known beforehand that she is Eidth Piaf. Such is the transformation -voice, body language, posture, everything. Amazing to say the least. It is indeed an Oscar very well deserved!!