Gainsbourg

The French have been looking to their history books lately to make films based on some of their most famous citizens. This is the latest.

Before seeing this film I knew next to nothing about Serge Gainsbourg. I knew his song 'Je T'aime...Moi Non Plus' but I did not know anything at all about him. So it was interesting to find out not only about all the other songs he played but his life as well. As presented here it is a fascinating life. There were not many problems in Serge's life. He seemed to possess a great deal of confidence and charisma that got him through life. It was not until his later life that the alcohol seemed to take over. Director Joann Sfar has presented his life in a unique way by implying that Serge had a sort of alter ego who gave him his confidence. This funny looking alter ego is based on a drawing he did of himself as a young man. This gives the film a strange feel but it is so different to most biopics about musicians that it comes as a nice surprise. Serge is not a terribly good looking guy. I think if this was an English film that Rowan Atkinson would have played him. Despite this he marries many beautiful women in his life. He has a great deal of charm that makes him irresistible. He also had a great relationship with his parents which is certainly unique to many films about musicians.

Eric Elmosino is excellent as Serge. He supposedly looks alot like the real thing, but Eric also gets right into his character and lets you see what all those around him find so likable. This is mostly Eric's film but the supporting cast are excellent in their roles.

We've had many Hollywood films in recent years about famous musicians, so it is nice to see someone we are not all that familiar with. A great story told in a unique way.