‰dith Piaf holds the distinction of being one of the few artists to become a genuine international popular musical success despite singing in a language other than English. Her unusual career warranted a pretty unusual biopic, and that is what director Olivier Dahan produced with La Vie En Rose. Noted for its disjoined narrative, the biopic is remarkably experimental in structure. Oft-unannounced flashbacks and flash-forwards dominate the film, with Piaf's youth and her old age rubbing up against one another in the context of the film. It's an interesting approach, though not one that is wholly successful. What IS incredibly evocative, however, is Marion Cotillard's portrayal of the legendary chanteuse. The studio was initially sceptical about her being cast, believing she wasn't a big enough name for the role, but she controls the screen at every moment. The wealth of awards she bestowed on her (including an Oscar) are testament to how exceptional her Piaf is.
