Bye Bye Blackbird (2005)

A period drama set in the early years of the twentieth century. Josef, a former construction worker who delighted in dancing on girders high above the city, who now sweeps up at the circus.... See full summary »

Director:

Robinson Savary

Writers:

Robinson Savary (screenplay), Patrick Faure (screenplay)

Stars:

James Thierrée, Izabella Miko, Derek Jacobi

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Thierrée	...	Josef (as James Thiérrée)
Izabella Miko	...	Alice
Derek Jacobi	...	Lord Dempsey
Jodhi May	...	Nina
Michael Lonsdale	...	Robert
Andrej Acin	...	Roberto
Claudine Peters	...	Miss Julia
Carlos Pavlidis	...	Jenkins
Niklas Ek	...	Djamako
Peter Stein	...	Count Manicoldi
Vera Bílá	...	Gypsy Singer (as Vera Bila)
Gilles Barbier	...	Skeleton Clown
Thierry van Werveke	...	Man on Girder
Simone Elbehri	...	Domenico
Claire Johnston	...	Emma

Storyline

A period drama set in the early years of the twentieth century. Josef, a former construction worker who delighted in dancing on girders high above the city, who now sweeps up at the circus. Once the big top's owner spots the young roustabout defying gravity on the trapeze, however, he endeavors to pair Josef with his aerialist daughter Alice in a perilous sky-high pas de deux. Offers a romantic view of big top life, with a moth-eaten angel in his feathered, tattered costume.

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Plot Keywords:

trapeze | circus | rome italy | paris france | london england | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Did You Know?

Quotes

Robert: Dreams can break many bones...
Josef: [leaving] don't worry about me
Robert: ...and hearts.

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Soundtracks

Te Me Puav Laches Rosnes
Written and Performed by Vera Bílá
© Smetana Jiri Editions, Paris

User Reviews

Oh, please

Just saw this at a special screening in LA at the American Cinematheque. I normally like most French films, even ones that aren't great. This, however, isn't a French film for about 98% of its running time (the leading man is French, but the entire film save for one scene, is in English - and bad English at that). I couldn't wait to come here to the IMDb because I just knew I'd find some raves - as I was watching this dreadful film I thought no one in their right mind could rave about this - but I always underestimate the people who "review" or stick up their thoughts for the world to read.

This film wants so badly to be poetic - pathetic, maybe, poetic, never. The dialogue is wretched, the plot is non-existent, as are the characters. Poor Derek Jacobi eats every piece of scenery in view. The director is a young person, and he's so in love with his little film-school homages and art, but like most youngsters who get to make films these days, he had no clue as to how to tell a story or make an audience give a flying Wallenda about anything they are seeing.

I don't know what film the "ravers" saw, but it sure wasn't this one. Different strokes for different folks? I guess there IS a sucker born every minute.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Austria Luxembourg Germany UK

Language:

English Serbian

Release Date:

7 October 2005 (Luxembourg)

Also Known As:

Adieu, schöner, schwarzer Vogel

Filming Locations:

Dudelange, Luxembourg

Company Credits

Production Co:

Samsa Film, Ipso Facto Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1