La Môme (2007)

Marion Cotillard is playing Edith Piaf
English title: La Vie en Rose

Main Details Directed by Olivier Dahan Written by Olivier Dahan, Isabelle Sobelman Genre Drama, Biography, Music Tagline The extraordinary life of Edith Piaf Theatrical Release France: 14/02/2007, USA: 08/06/2007, UK: 22/06/2007 DVD Release France: 23/08/2007, USA: 13/11/2007, UK: 26/11/2007 Starring Marion Cotillard, Sylvie Testud, Pascal Gregory, Emmanuelle Seigner, Jean-Paul Rouve, Gérard Depardieu, Clotilde Courau, Jean-Pierre Martins, Catherine Allegret, Marc Barbe

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Synopsis

From the slums of Paris to the limelight of New York, Edith Piaf's life was a battle to sing and survive, live and love. Raised in poverty, Edith's magical voice and her passionate romances and friendships with the greatest names of the period - Yves Montand, Jean Cocteau, Charles Aznavour, Marlene Dietrich, Marcel Cerdan and others - made her a star all around the world. But in her audacious attempt to tame her tragic destiny, the Little Sparrow - her nickname - flew so high she could not fail to burn her wings.

Marion Cotillard's role

She plays the title character, iconic French singer Edith Piaf, from the age 17-47 (when she actually looked like 70). It is an amazing performance. She's equally brilliant as sprited teenager singing in the streets of Paris for her survival as well as an old woman on her deathbed. She brings Edith Piaf to life in every single scene and makes us love this eccentric singer despite her flaws. We feel the joy of life she had despite the many (!) tragic events in her life.

From the Gallery

Trivia & Facts

• Filming Locations: Prague (Czech Republic), Los Angeles (USA), France
• To portray Edith Piaf, Marion Cotillard shaved back her hairline and shaved off her eyebrows, which were later penciled in, to better resemble the singer.
• Make-up could take up to five hours for Marion Cotillard when she played the older Edith Piaf.

Quotes: Reviews

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Quotes: Marion Cotillard

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Personal Comments

Although I knew nothing about Edith Piaf (except her song 'Je ne regrette rien') I was very eager to see this on the big screen. Especially since French movie magazines brought exclusive previews and coverages months before its theatrical release. I was not disappointed. The film's absolutely breathtaking in terms of sound and visuals, esp. when you see it on the big screen. And although I admire many performances I am somewhat reluctant to call them the best ever. In his case though, I am convinced I was shown the best performance by an actress/actor ever! Marion Cotillard sure is deserving of every award there is out there! As a person not familiar with the details of Piaf's life I'd have appreciated more specific details. I got somewhat confused by who is who in Piaf's entourage. Of course I 'felt' Piaf's character but I still don't think I know her life. Anyway, this is a must-see film despite its over-length and its 'messy' approach. Of course that 'messy' approach works quite well as a stylistic element to portray Edith Piaf's equally 'messy' life.
by Maria