Review of La Vie en Rose (2007) by Jamie F — 02 May 2009

[font=Calibri][size=3]?La Vie En Rose?, tells the tragic story of Parisian singer, Edith Piaf. Directed by Oliver Dahan, it captures the amazing moments that defined Edith?s life. In watching the movie, one gets a sense of the tragic upbringing Edith endured, to the triumphant times that made her.

Marion Cotillard?s powerful portrayal of Edith Piaf is not only breathtaking, but is one of the most astonishing performances I have ever seen on a movie biopic. I say this because throughout the movie I would never have believed the same actress pulled off Piaf?s early teen years to her mature age of 47.

You know an actor has done a good job when there is no trace of their persona in the character they play. I can honestly say I was lost in her performance- but in a good way. As the movie progresses, the director does a mesmerizing job choosing the most important events of Edith?s life to be visually depicted.

The movie includes scenes of Edith?s passionate love for boxer Marcel, her blossoming career with Louis Leplee, her amazing performances in New York, and her unfortunate addiction to morphine. As an avid movie watcher, I was greatly pleased with this movie, but also the idea of success from tragedy, that the film greatly captured.

It is apparent from the very start of this movie, that Edith Piaf was very unhappy. The movie reaches out to the audience by allowing the audience to feel her pain as well. This is achieved by the constant shifting from Edith?s childhood, to young adulthood to middle age, and old age.

Each scene does a great job delivering a dose of sadness that leaves you wanting to comfort Edith. However, the director does a great job balancing her unfortunate tragedies with success. It is from those tragic times that Edith?s rises as a greater star.

As a viewer I was deeply impacted by this feel, and the idea of triumphing from tragedy. I can honestly say I learned a lot about the life of Edith Piaf. I suggest you do the same.[/size][/font].