After watching this relative unknown, at least to us here in America, win the Oscar for best actress, I knew I had to watch this film. Always intrigued by Billy Holiday and other unique voices, one name stands alone for me… Edith Piaf. Even with no understanding of French, some voices cross all language barriers and hers certainly does so.

The director, Olivier Dahan, chose to read all he could find about “the Little Sparrow”, both published and unpublished, and make an impression of her tragic life rather than an actual bio picture. So many great artists are tragically flawed, suffer much and yet overcome all to rise to heights we can only dream of. Such was Edith Piaf. Marion Cotillard, as Piaf, does an amazing job of aging from 15 to 47 and manages to capture the essence of the chanteuse. Abandoned several times by her parents, raised in a brothel, singing on the streets that lead to her big break at a Paris nightclub, losing the love of her life and her subsequent addiction are the tragedies, yet there was always someone there to help her, someone to focus her on her art~ that voice.

The film weaves in and out of the early times, then her later years, leaving you with a melody that lingers in your ears.

Peace as always and in all ways~Sage

Share This