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Gerald Wright's Movie Coverage

"PARIS 36" (Faubourg 36)

Directed by: Christophe Barratier
Running time: 2 hours 1 minute
Release date: April 3, 2009 (limited)
Genre: Art/Foreign, Drama, Musical and Comedy
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
MPAA Rating: PG-13

This unique masterpiece set in 1936, highlights sentimental appeal. Paris 36 cleverly mixes the elements of the heart, emotion and sacrifice. The location for the film's setting is the northeast suburb of Paris during the revolutionary period of the Popular Front government's reign.

In this blue-collar community of little shops and cobble-stones, the residents frequently attend their local theater, the Chansonia. Unfortunately, the theater will be closing and this threatens to put many out of work. Stagehand Pigoil (Gerard Jugnot), Milou (Clovis Cornillac) the theater electrician and womanizer, and Jacky (Kad Merad) an imitations act-man who has dreams of being a big star, decide to produce their own show at the Chansonia.

Piqoil the lead character finds himself in a dilemma when unemployment hits him. Without a job, his runaway ex-wife files for custody of their pre-teen son JoJo (Maxence Perrin). In order to keep custody, his must find permanent work. The decision to put a musical show seems to the only solution to his problem and to revitalize the town. Piqoil and his friends must borrow money from local "godfather" Galapiat (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu) who once enjoyed the vaudeville acts, but will demand blood if he isn't repaid on the loan plus interest.

What makes this film an unadulterated joy is the on-screen theatrical performances capturing the variety acts of pantomime, dance, slapstick and songs. Indulging in a dramatic narrative and giving a suspenseful story gives the movie a spectacular look. The visuals are extremely vibrant and poignant, with colorful spell-binding backgrounds in which are carefully blended with tunes to linger on. The key elements in this cohesive story is clear and easy to follow; the characters are easy to relate to, creating situations that calls them into song as smoothly as possible. Paris 36 hands over much of the plot and character development to the songs and choreography, without losing its realistic theme.

The film lights up with the appearance of a mysterious and beautiful actress/singer named Duce (Nora Arnezeder) who helps the Piqoil, Milou and Jacky get the theater reopened with a "hit" musical. Her "on and off" relationship with Milou adds a very good romantic twist to the film. However, during this time in history, politics take over the subplot with Clovis Cornillac's character Milou who often serves as a spokesman for the revolutionary "workers aristocracy group". The Nazi party propaganda and scenes about anti-Semitism are given ample time in this film, which gives the movie authenticity.

As dramatic the plot may be, it is set up with many comedic scenes blended with music bringing a rare excitement to the screen that is reminiscent of those 1940 and 1950 musicals that dominated the movie industry. I found this movie dramatic yet spontaneous, humorous at times yet emotional and historically accurate.

Paris 36 has marvelous music and an excellent storyline which depicts strong characters. This entertaining musical drama highlights the essence of family, love and sacrifice. The movie is geared more at the mature audiences, though I'm sure everyone will appreciate the artistic and emotional beauty.

This period-piece dramatic musical, is the best film I've seen so far this year.

FILM RATING (A+)