Highly Anticipated Biopic Monsieur Aznavour Opens The Lavish French Film Festival
Monsieur Aznavour is the highly anticipated musical drama biopic which follows the life and career of songwriter/singer Charles Aznavour. Born in 1924 to Armenian immigrants, his determination and resilience to racism led to him becoming one of the world’s most successful and popular singers worldwide.
From poor beginnings his love for singing flourished but with little success and his big break arrived when Edith Piaf hired him as the ‘curtain raiser’ on her tour – however, she told him he was a brilliant songwriter but that he’d never succeed as a singer.
Described as a “dirty foreigner” his singing voice was described as raspy, and it was said by those who worked in the profession that he wasn’t handsome enough to sing love songs. He retaliated stating, “I’ll convince every person in every venue, and I’ll sing until my throat rips! If I must neglect everything to succeed I will!” Ultimately, he proved the critics wrong.
After many years he achieved world fame, being paid equal to Frank Sinatra but enough was never enough in his eyes. Did his love for success ultimately rob him of precious family time and other joys of life? When is enough enough?
This is a deeply touching, insightful and engaging depiction of a singer whose obsession in realising his dreams was fulfilled. The movie is reminiscent of the 2007 Academy Award-winning Edith Piaf biopic La Vie En Rose, from which many scene and musical setups have seemingly been borrowed.
Surprisingly Edith Piaf has a large role as the singer who befriended and paved the way to Aznavour’s success, a chapter of her life which was not raised in La Vie En Rose. This compounds to the appeal of this compelling narrative.
Explored in Monsieur Aznavour are the rescue activities he and his sister were involved in aiding people who were being persecuted by the Nazis, his womanising, failed relationships with women, the tragedy that befell him, his support of LGBTQIA+ rights when just talking about homosexuality was taboo, and his long winding road to being dubbed France’s Frank Sinatra.
The musical sequences of Charles Aznavour (Tahar Rahim) and Edith Piaf (Marie-Julie Baup) are enchanting, the refined performances of both these talented actors hauntingly recapture the persona and very essence of what made these iconic singers famous globally.
Astute direction under the watchful eye of Grand Corps Malade, mesmerising cinematography, inventive camera work and excellence in all other areas of production compounded to the entrancing effect this movie should have on audiences.
Audiences who have never heard of Charles Aznavour may ponder after watching this movie, “How is it possible that I know the music of Edith Piaf but have never heard the music of Charles Aznavour?”
Monsieur Aznavour is an exhilarating and powerful tribute to this illustrious singer who captivated the world with his music.
Regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, his career spanned 70 years recording over 1200 songs which he interpreted in 9 languages. The sales figure of 180 million units of records/albums/CDs etc reaffirms his success.
This movie should not be missed! Currently screening at the French Film Festival and will be released nationally in Palace Cinemas on May 8.
