French movie director and writer Barratier has followed his 2004 musical drama Les choristes (Oscar nominated for Best Foreign Language film), with another story that, like Les choristes, is a blend of drama, comedy, and music. The result is a movie that tries to do too much, but is, nevertheless, enjoyable and uplifting.
The Basic Story of Paris 36 (Faubourg 36)
The movie begins on the New Year’s Eve of 1936. The Chansonia, a music hall located in an unidentified working class neighborhood of Paris, is forced to close its doors after a threatened labor strike and the nefarious schemes of a local political boss and theater owner, Galapiat (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu). Particularly hard hit by the closure is the stage director, Pigoil (Gérard Jugnot).
Now without work, the usually even-tempered Pigoil, whose adulterous wife has also just left him and his 11 year-old son, turns to drink. His only source of funds (first unknown to him) comes from the boy who panhandles money by playing his accordion on the city’s streets. His subsequent arrest for begging, in addition to his father’s lack of employment, cause the welfare authorities to place him with his mother.
Pigoli, in order to get his son back, needs to find employment and devises a scheme. He decides to “occupy” the boarded-up Chansonia and reopen it. He finds two allies in this endeavor, each with his own motive in wanting to help. Milou (Clovis Cornillac), a former electrician at the music hall, is a socialist and strong supporter of the left-wing Popular Front and sees the takeover as a victory for French workers over fascism. Jacky (Kad Merad), a no-talent impressionist, sees the reopening as a chance to become a star.
Their efforts appear to fail when the Chansonia, depending on a cast of has-been and never-were performers, reopens to poor reviews. Then Fate lends a hand in the form of the “Radio Man” (Pierre Richard), a neighborhood recluse who hasn’t been outside in 20 years, and the discovery of a young singer, Douce (splendidly played by 19 year-old newcomer Nora Arnezeder). Galapiat, infatuated with the charismatic Douce, gives the music hall another chance and the future appears to be bright, at least for a while.
Weaknesses of Paris 36 (Faubourg 36)
Professional critics have been lukewarm at best in rating this French movie. Many of them believe that the movie never truly defines itself -- is it a romantic drama, a comedy, a political drama, or a French musical? They also decry its many subplots, feeling that Barratier has tried to cover too much ground with his various stories. Some of these criticisms are valid.
The transitions from drama to comedy to musical and back again are not always smooth and there are perhaps too many subplots. Among these are: a romantic triangle between Douce, Milou, and Galapiat; a family conflict triangle between Pigoil, his son, and his ex-wife; the political conflict between socialists and fascists; the temporary betrayal by Jacy of his left-wing friends; and, the mystery of the relationship between Douce and the Radio Man. A murder is also added to the mix.
Strengths of Paris 36 (Faubourg 36)
There is much to like about the movie and, generally speaking, audiences have been kinder than the critics. Although there are many subplots, they are easy to follow, and the acting by the lead and supporting actors is excellent throughout. The characters that they play are given depth -- clearly showing their strengths, weaknesses, and eccentricities.
The music is also a plus with much of the cast, particularly Arnezeder, having fine singing voices. The songs, all original, are nice pastiches (and sometimes spoofs) of 1930s-style cabaret songs. There is even a lively production piece that pays homage to the Busby Berkley musicals of the 30s.
Other strong points include using Clint Eastwood’s favorite cinematographer, Tom Stern (Million Dollar Baby, Gran Torino). Sterns' innovative style brings a raw beauty to the film that equals his best work. The production design by Jean Rabasse and art direction by Jean-Yves Rabier create a spot-on portrait of pre-WW II Paris, its streets, and its people.
Miscellaneous Details
- Language: French with subtitles.
- Date of Release: September, 2008 (Europe); April, 2009 (USA).
- Filming Location: Prague, Czech Republic.
- Meaning of French Title - Faubourg 36: Fauborg is a general French term for “district” or “neighborhood.” Director Barratier did not want viewers to easily identify a specific Paris locale. Thirty-six is 1936, the year in which most of the movie takes place.
A Paris 36 DVD will be out soon. A trailer can be seen on IMDb.
Other Articles on Foreign Movies: British Movies about Missing Persons; Foreign Movies with Short Titles; Epic European Films of the Late 1920s.
John K. Davis - John is a retired teacher/librarian and has also been doing freelance writing since the late 1970s. Over this period of time, he has had ...
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