The Singer (Quand j'étais chanteur) (2006)

Alain Moreau sings for one of the few remaining dance-bands in Clermont-Ferrand. Though something of an idol amongst his female audience he has a melancholic awareness of the slow ... See full summary »

Director:

Xavier Giannoli

Writer:

Xavier Giannoli

Stars:

Gérard Depardieu, Cécile de France, Mathieu Amalric

3 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gérard Depardieu	...	Alain Moreau
Cécile de France	...	Marion
Mathieu Amalric	...	Bruno
Christine Citti	...	Michèle
Patrick Pineau	...	Daniel
Christophe	...	Christophe
Jean-Pierre Gos	...	Philippe Chevalier
Antoine de Prekel	...	Martin
Monique Gailleurd	...	Organisateur Soirée
Alain Kruger	...	Médecin
Patrick Bordier	...	Responsable Palais
Jean-Paul Combes	...	Patron Aquarius
Serge Godenaire	...	Maitre d'hôtel
Marie Kremer	...	Laurence
Catherine Salviat	...	Mme Laville

Storyline

Alain Moreau sings for one of the few remaining dance-bands in Clermont-Ferrand. Though something of an idol amongst his female audience he has a melancholic awareness of the slow disappearance of that audience and of his advancing years. He is completely knocked off balance when he meets strikingly attractive and much younger businesswoman Marion. She seems distant and apparently otherwise involved but soon shows quiet signs of reciprocating his interest. A brief dalliance turns into something much more complicated and he starts to employ - indeed monopolise - her services as an estate agent by announcing he suddenly must move house.

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Plot Keywords:

reference to elton john | implied sex | title based on song | romantic relationship | orchestra | 

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Taglines:

Sometimes love can be found in the most unexpected places (DVD Australia)

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Genres:

Drama | Music | Romance

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Did You Know?

Connections

Features Stromboli (1950)

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Soundtracks

Unchained Melody
Music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret

User Reviews

Lost in France

In Xavior Giannoli's film, an ageing lounge singer (a magnificently ramshackle Gerard Depardieu) seduces a pretty young woman; and then falls in love with her. She quite likes him, but with the gap in their ages, it's unlikely that either can be a long-term solution to the problems of the other. He then gets a chance to revitalise his career; and doesn't take it. I spent most of this film wondering when something was going to happen; in fact, almost nothing does, beyond what is predicted by the premise. Although there is sexual contact, the film can be thought of as a French equivalent of 'Lost in Translation', although without that film's annoying sense of self-reverence and faux-profundity. It makes good use of the singer's repertoire which serves as both soundtrack and commentary, the performances are nicely judged, and at the end, in spite of the absence of obvious content, I found myself oddly moved.

Details

Official Sites:

Europa Corp. [France]

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

13 September 2006 (France)

Also Known As:

El cantante

Filming Locations:

Auvergne, France

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,205,575

Company Credits

Production Co:

EuropaCorp, Rectangle Productions, France 3 Cinéma

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1