Thursday, October 24, 2024

«Edith and Marcel» (1983)

Tonight all France is boxing/singing with you

Two symbols of France – Marcel Cerdan and Edith Piaf, - started to make their name in history on the eve of the Second World War. Then, in 1948 they met in New York City and started their ill-fated romance (if you quote Hymne à l'amour «nous aurons pour nous l'éternité...»). Nevertheless, the film was panned by the critics. I don’t understand why.

«Edith and Marcel» captures the spirit of that age and the sweet melancholy of Piaf’s song. They are two completely different people – capricious bohemian Edith and silent fighter Marcel, - but their ride is filled with joy and immature silliness. Nevertheless, we all know what will happen on the 28th of October 1949.

Still, the film is not biographical, like «Le Bon et les Méchants», it is more a fantasy trip on the basis of real events. The film is filled with the symbols of that age, including «Gone with the Wind» and love letters between persons separated by long distance. To add a little touch of how ordinary people invent their phantasy life, Claude Lelouch supplements the parallel line of love story between POW Jacques Bonhomme and aristocratic Margot de Villedieu.

Summarizing, «Edith and Marcel» is long and engaging voyage. I could say only one thing - don’t hesitate to take that voyage with Edith and Marcel.

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