Premium Content:

Paris 36 (M)

Directed by Christophe Barratier

- Advertisement -

Chansonia is a run down music hall in a quaint suburb of pre-war Paris. The beginning of the film establishes the political undercurrent at the time, with the fascists growing in strength. The left-wing workers are also gathering together and going on a general strike in order to gain some rights. When the local mob boss takes over the musical theatre, he closes it down, leaving a group of people depressed and destitute. Barratier, who directed Les Choistes (The Chorus), doesn’t overly complicate things and even though the political situation bubbles in the background, he concentrates on the theatre people.

Stagehand Pignoil (Gerard Jugnut) is the most effected because his lack of employment means that when his wife returns from gallivanting, he loses custody of his son until he can find a steady job. Actually, at the beginning of the film, we learn that Pignoil has killed someone but, supported by idealist Milou (Clovis Cornillac) and flawed comedian Jacky (Kad Merad), Pignoil decides to occupy the theatre and recreate its glory days. Thank goodness for newcomer Douche (Nora Arnezeder) whose attractiveness and angelic voice ensure ticket sales. However, throw a pretty girl into the mix and all sorts of trouble can result.

This is a relatively light-weight film, with the director purposefully choosing to take the old fashioned approach to shooting it. The sets are very one dimensional and the lighting gives each scene the artificiality that would be created on a stage. The performances are excellent, though somewhat schmaltzy and certainly very camp. My only disappointment was that the film takes its time before the singing and dancing is actually centre stage. By the time it takes over the film, the romance and the lingering danger all work together to have you cheering for the ensemble of whimsical characters.

***

Latest

Mark Latham ordered to pay costs in defamation trial

Latham will be held responsible for most of Alex Greenwich's legal costs which are expected to be in the range of half a million dollars.

Former Liberal MP Rory Amon to face trail on child sex charges next year

Amon has pleaded not guilty to all 10 charges levelled against him.

Did Peter Dutton’s team remove Pride flags ahead of his visit to Headspace?

The Liberal leaders team have been accused of sweeping locations ahead of his appearances.

2025 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards finalists announced

ACON's Pride in Diversity initiative has revealed the finalists for the 2025 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards ahead of the Sydney ceremony on 30 May.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Mark Latham ordered to pay costs in defamation trial

Latham will be held responsible for most of Alex Greenwich's legal costs which are expected to be in the range of half a million dollars.

Former Liberal MP Rory Amon to face trail on child sex charges next year

Amon has pleaded not guilty to all 10 charges levelled against him.

Did Peter Dutton’s team remove Pride flags ahead of his visit to Headspace?

The Liberal leaders team have been accused of sweeping locations ahead of his appearances.

2025 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards finalists announced

ACON's Pride in Diversity initiative has revealed the finalists for the 2025 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards ahead of the Sydney ceremony on 30 May.

Martha Stewart joins Vivid Sydney with In Conversation event

The original influencer, lifestyle inspiration Martha Stewart, is heading to Vivid Sydney for an exclusive In Conversation event.

Mark Latham ordered to pay costs in defamation trial

Latham will be held responsible for most of Alex Greenwich's legal costs which are expected to be in the range of half a million dollars.

Former Liberal MP Rory Amon to face trail on child sex charges next year

Amon has pleaded not guilty to all 10 charges levelled against him.

Did Peter Dutton’s team remove Pride flags ahead of his visit to Headspace?

The Liberal leaders team have been accused of sweeping locations ahead of his appearances.