Monsieur Aznavour is a cinematic tribute to one of the icons of French chanson, Charles Aznavour. Directed by Mehdi Idir, known for his work on Patients, and Grand Corps Malade, who shone with La Vie scolaire, this musical biopic stars Tahar Rahim in the title role. Shot on location in France, Armenia and other emblematic places that marked the singer's life, the film promises to plunge viewers into the heart of the 1950s, when Aznavour began weaving his legendary repertoire.
Monsieur Aznavour will be released in cinemas from October 23, 2024.
Synopsis: The son of refugees, small, poor and with a veiled voice, it was said that he had nothing to succeed at. By dint of hard work, perseverance and sheer willpower, Charles Aznavour has become a monument of song and a symbol of French culture. With nearly 1,200 songs performed all over the world and in every language, he has inspired entire generations. Discover the exceptional and timeless career of MONSIEUR AZNAVOUR.
Monsieur Aznavour is an ambitious biopic that plunges us into the life of one of the most emblematic figures in French chanson. Directed with particular care, the film stands out for its emotional richness, meticulous art direction and memorable acting performances, especially by Tahar Rahim in the title role. While some viewers may be put off by some unconventional narrative choices, the film nevertheless offers a sincere and poignant insight into the trajectory of an artist torn between his career and his personal life.
From the very first scenes, Monsieur Aznavour makes its mark with its bold direction, skilfully playing with sequence shots and tracking shots to immerse the viewer in the artist's intimate world. One of the film's most striking sequences takes place at the Alhambra, during the performance of " Je me voyais déjà ". The camera follows Charles from backstage to the stage in a fluid, continuous movement, capturing every nuance of his pre-performance anxiety. The sequence continues as the camera moves around him, capturing both his tense but determined face and the spectators in the hall and balcony. This approach gives the scene an almost palpable intensity, symbolizing the crushing pressure Aznavour feels at this key moment in his career.
The sequence reaches its climax in a moving finale: the curtain closes, and from backstage we hear the sound of jumping seats as the audience rises to a standing ovation. Aznavour, thinking the hall would be empty, hesitates to take his bows. This moment of doubt, perfectly rendered by Rahim, is finally swept away when the curtain opens on a jubilant audience. This scene is a model of balance between tension and emotional release, magnified by impeccable technical direction that leaves a lasting impression on the spectator.
The real heart of the film, however, lies in the performance of Tahar Rahim. Known for his intense, nuanced performances in films such as Un Prophète and Désigné Coupable, Rahim takes up the challenge here of appropriating a character as mythical as Charles Aznavour, without ever falling into imitation or caricature. His performance is of the utmost subtlety, capturing the singer's delicate gestures and distinctive way of speaking with an accuracy that borders on perfection.
Rahim manages to make Aznavour's inner fragility palpable, while embodying his quiet strength and determination to pursue his dream, often at the expense of those closest to him. Every look, every gesture, seems imbued with an inner depth, and this multi-dimensional performance gives the film an undeniable emotional richness. Viewers familiar with Rahim's previous roles will find here his unique ability to embody characters of great psychological complexity, while infusing them with disarming sensitivity.
The film doesn't just paint Aznavour in a glorious light. It also acutely explores the personal sacrifices that have marked his career. The film quickly establishes that Charles is never more alone than when he is at the height of his fame. His sister remains his only confidante, while his children and wives take a back seat, sacrificed on the altar of his career. This portrait of a man isolated despite his success is particularly poignant at the most painful moments, such as when he chooses to go on stage at theOlympia on the evening of his son's funeral. This strong narrative choice illustrates Aznavour's inability to reconcile his personal life with his all-consuming ambition, a theme that will resonate deeply with viewers sensitive to complex human drama.
This tension between career and family runs throughout the film. From his early days in the cabarets, Aznavour chose to leave his first wife and daughter to devote himself entirely to music. This sacrifice, symbolic of the artist ready to do anything to succeed, is a common thread running through the film. Viewers will see a man ready to burn all his bridges to reach the top, an aspect of his personality that is portrayed with a certain fatalism, but without judgment.
Another highlight of the film is the tribute paid to French chanson, not only through Aznavour's career, but also via the other musical figures who mark its history. Édith Piaf, Charles Trenet, Gilbert Bécaud, and even a young Johnny Hallyday (who sings " Retiens la nuit ", a song written by Aznavour) make striking appearances. These moments take viewers on a journey through the history of French music, while highlighting the influence Aznavour had on his contemporaries and subsequent generations.
The scene where Aznavour and Hallyday sing a duet is one of the highlights of the film, embodying the passing of the torch between two legends of song. Similarly, the interactions between Aznavour and Piaf, played with remarkable finesse by Marie Julie Baup, add an intimate, emotional dimension to the plot. Piaf, a tutelary figure for Aznavour, urges him to pursue his solo career, despite the obstacles.
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is undoubtedly the exploration of the Aznavour-Roche duo. Aznavour's early days as a cabaret singer, moving between strip-tease acts, were marked by a strong friendship with Pierre Roche. This musical duo, born of a programming error, quickly found success, thanks in part to Aznavour's shrewd negotiating skills, which enabled him to monetize their talent. Together, they toured with Piaf and made a name for themselves in Canada, where they enjoyed some success.
The relationship ended, however, when Piaf advised Aznavour to go it alone. This moment of rupture is portrayed with restrained emotion, illustrating the extent to which Aznavour must make heartbreaking choices in order to move forward. This dilemma between companionship and ambition is one of the film's recurring themes, showing that to break through, Aznavour must sacrifice not only his family, but also his closest collaborators.
From a narrative point of view, the film opts for a mosaic structure, linking key moments in Aznavour's life rather than a linear chronological progression. This choice may disconcert some viewers who prefer a more conventional build-up of tension. However, this structure allows us to highlight particularly significant episodes, without getting bogged down in an exhaustive reconstruction of the singer's life. This approach makes the film both more intimate and more universal, focusing on the decisive moments that shaped the man and the artist.
Ultimately, Monsieur Aznavour is a film that shines for its delicacy, its acting performances and its heartfelt tribute to Aznavour's cultural heritage. Tahar Rahim delivers an exceptional performance, capturing both the fragility and strength of a man in perpetual search of recognition. The filmmaking, marked by technical prowess such as daring sequence shots, brilliantly serves this intimate exploration of a legendary figure.
Those expecting an exhaustive reconstruction of Aznavour's life may be slightly disappointed by the film's non-linear format, but they will nonetheless find a deep dive into the artist's psyche. Fans of humane, nuanced biopics will be delighted by this work which, beyond the myth, shows a man ready to sacrifice everything to realize his dreams. A vibrant and poignant tribute to French chanson, but also to the complexity of an artist's life, where public triumph often conceals deep wounds.
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