La Vie En Rose
A few weeks back I saw La Vie En Rose, a fractured and bruised telling of the life Édith Piaf. Its saving graces were Marion Cotillard, the fact much of it was shot to look like an Edward Hopper painting and the gloriously restored versions of Piaf’s songs. Today, after only limited buggering around by the postal services, the original soundtrack was delivered. Despite its lack of Cassandre Berger’s version of La Marseillaise that brought me close to tears when I first heard it, I am mightily pleased by its arrival.
Some music is meant to make love to, some to cook to. When it comes to Sunday roasts Frank Sinatra is king. On a Monday evening when the cold rain is a relentless, brutal tattoo on the canal, Piaf is untouchable. Drama, passion, humour and a robust sauciness. Against a soundtrack containing all of those ingredients, it is would be impossible to not summon up a decent meal.
Some music is meant to make love to, some to cook to. When it comes to Sunday roasts Frank Sinatra is king. On a Monday evening when the cold rain is a relentless, brutal tattoo on the canal, Piaf is untouchable. Drama, passion, humour and a robust sauciness. Against a soundtrack containing all of those ingredients, it is would be impossible to not summon up a decent meal.
Labels: Cooking, Film Reviews, La Vie En Rose, Soundtracks, Édith Piaf
posted by David at
10:57 PM
13 Comments:
Denise just wrote an email telling me she just saw that film and it was a must. I guess now that i've heard it twice, i have to do something about it.
I may have to go look up both Edith Piaf and the movie. If it's good enough to cook to, it must be good. I like to cook to big band, swing and blues myself. :)
GC – It is a flawed film, but worth watching.
Z – Swing is grand for certain types of cooking, though I am yet to be convinced it is right for risottos.
David....I'm smiling. You just need to take my word for it. I've been re-organizing the truckload of MP3s and videos I've accumulated on my PC over the years (many just bits-and-pieces for my boring little home movies).
In what can only be explained as kismet, I am watching a video clip of my family roaming the Montmarte area of Paris - and the soundtrack is, indeed, Piaf's signature tune. Imagine the otherworldiness of encountering your post as La Vie en Rose swells from my speakers and my kids amble up the steps of Sacre Coeur in the top right corner of my monitor.
Such is the Universe, no?
it was a brilliant film, I never thought about getting the soundtrack but you've inspired me
Yes, but can you pole dance to it? That's the real question.
Puss
Crazylegs – My old friend, I am smiling with you. I am not surprised by your tale, the universe I inhabit is built on synchronicity.
Shadow – How can you not cook or write a storm to the insane gothic melodrama of Heaven Have Mercy?
Puss – Being a sheltered sort who has never seen a pole dance that is not a question I am qualified to answer. However, if you could pole dance to the tragedy, gusto and entendre of ballad opera, I would think you could pole dance to Piaf.
Ah, another good review of this movie. Sounds good--intriguing story and music in one. Now, if they would only show it this part of the earth.
Then I shall give it a try when I get through Brel and Gainsbourg.
Puss
Edward Hopper? Are we thinking of the same artist...?
My review, not very complimentary, I'm afraid: La Vie en Rose
It seemed to me some scenes were shot with Nighthawks or Automat in mind while the American driving scene reminded me of the colours of Office in a Small City.
I simply don't recall those scenes particularly. If you like Hopperesque cinematography, get your hands on Heart Beat (1980). It's a knockout.
Marilyn – It has to be said that I am a sucker for Hopperesque cinematography.
Puss – Where are you with the Gainsbourg catalogue? Have you heard the Mick Harvey Pink Elephants?
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