This performance stays with you.

Rating: 9/10 (10 December 2007)

While watching, it is disturbing that the time line is so fragmented. There were times I couldn't figure out if the car accident happened before or after her collapse. Took up too much time trying to figure all this out. Also we had characters that flowed in and out without resolution. What happened to her mother? Was that really Marlena Dietrich? Which woman was wearing a mustache? Why? Finally, I gave up and surrendered to one of the best performances I have seen in many years. Not just an imitation, or an impersonation like so many recent biopics: Johnny Cash, Ray Charles. That aside, no one can begin to dispute the remarkable performance of Cotillard. Her performance is haunting. She has captured the torment and glory of Pilaf even while viewers are constantly trying to play catch up with the time line. Worth watching just for Cotillard's performance. Oscar should come knocking.....