I saw this subtitled French film last night and walked away in awe of the performance of Marion Cotillard (who was excellent in 'Big Fish' if you want to see more of her) as the legendary French singer Edith Piaf. Piaf's incredible spirit and love for life came to life so vibrantly through Cotillard, who singlehandedly carried the film.
Unfortunately, while the rest of the cast was also very good, I think the direction the film took was too jumpy - for lack of a better term. It skipped back and forth though five pivotal time periods and locations of Edith's life, each with it's own distinct mood and imagery. But while each of these times were relevant in shaping who she was, the order they were portrayed was scattered and it broke up the flow and emotion of what could have otherwise been a top-tier film.
On the plus side, the film clearly portrays her lust for life, love, and experience, and is thoroughly captivating and enjoyable regardless. Still, I believe the audience would have been better served if the timeline followed her life exactly - from her childhood as the daughter of a circus acrobat and alcoholic prostitute, her upbringing in a brothel, and discovery by a nightclub owner, to her passionate yet tragic love affair with a married boxer, years of drug addition, all the way to her revealing final night.
Ultimately, this film is definitely a must-see if you have even the slightest interest in France's answer to Judy Garland's voice. Even if you don't speak french, go for the singing alone...
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