Paris 36 (2008)

A man is charged with murder. He is Pigoil, the aging stage manager at Chansonia, a music hall in a Paris faubourg. His confession is a long flashback to New Year's Eve, 1935, when he ... See full summary »

Director:

Christophe Barratier

Writers:

Christophe Barratier, Christophe Barratier (adaptation)

Stars:

Gérard Jugnot, Clovis Cornillac, Kad Merad

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gérard Jugnot	...	Pigoil
Clovis Cornillac	...	Milou
Kad Merad	...	Jacky
Nora Arnezeder	...	Douce
Pierre Richard	...	Monsieur TSF
Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu	...	Galapiat
Maxence Perrin	...	Jojo
François Morel	...	Célestin
Élisabeth Vitali	...	Viviane
Christophe Kourotchkine	...	Lebeaupin
Éric Naggar	...	Grevoul
Eric Prat	...	Commissaire Tortil
Julien Courbey	...	Mondain
Philippe du Janerand	...	Triquet
Marc Citti	...	L'inspecteur du Quai des Orfèvres

Storyline

A man is charged with murder. He is Pigoil, the aging stage manager at Chansonia, a music hall in a Paris faubourg. His confession is a long flashback to New Year's Eve, 1935, when he discovers his wife is unfaithful and Galapiat, the local mobster, closes the music hall. Over the next few months, Pigoil loses custody of his beloved son, Jo-Jo, and must find work. Pigoil and his pals take over the Chansonia as a co-op; Galapiat is momentarily benign. Their star is the young Douce, a girl from near Lille for whom Galapiat lusts. She in turn falls in love with Milou, a local Red. There are ups and downs, but mostly ups - but what about Jo-Jo and what about the murder?

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Plot Keywords:

looking at oneself in a mirror | murder | music hall | faubourg | new year's eve | 

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Taglines:

A grand tale of early theatre life.

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Genres:

Drama | Music | Musical | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sexuality and nudity, violence and brief language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Faubourg is not French for "the district." It is a contraction of "faux bourg", French for "false town" and were used to designate smaller towns attached to larger towns or cities. A lot of these faubourgs were independent cities until they were attached to Paris and lost all independence around during the 17th and 18th century. A new outer wall was later erected around the city. These faubourgs, especially those on the East side, were usually blue collar, with a very active night life.

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Goofs

When Jacky accidentally turns on the radio while Pigoil is talking to his wife and her new lover, the radio is very loud immediately after Jacky flips the switch. On this type of old tube amplified radio, it would take several seconds for the tubes to heat up and amplify any signal, and the volume would go up very slowly.

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Connections

Referenced in Faubourg 36 - Le making of (2009)

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Soundtracks

Les flageolets
Music by Reinhardt Wagner
Lyrics by Frank Thomas
Performed by François Jerosme

User Reviews

Vive Le Cinema, France

If this film had been produced 60 to 70 years ago,it probably would have been directed by Jean Renoir and starred Jean Gabin as one of the central figures. 'Faubourg 36' (or as it is being distributed in English speaking countries as 'Paris 36')is a film that takes place in Paris, just before world war 2,when political tensions were at a boiling point between left leaning French & their ultra conservative right wing counterpoint (which would eventually embrace the Nazi party in Germany,especially when Hitler marched into Paris in the 1940's). A (failing)theatrical troupe,bent on preserving their beloved theater tries to pull things back together,they get support from some of the locals (including an alleged Communist,who claims he was in the Red Brigade in Russia),a young lass trying to break into the singing profession,a (mostly)unfunny comic & enough well meaning persons to try and bring things together. A corrupt local political figure,who wants to do little more than bring the ruination of the theater also looms. The film is complimented by a cracker jack cast of French professionals who turn in a splendid job of acting. The screenplay, although something of an overstuffed sandwich of sorts,is still well played out. The film features several songs,most of which are performed by the cast,themselves. At times,this film has a Busby Berkley feel to it (which is not a bad thing). In French with English subtitles. Rated PG-13 by the MPAA,this film contains a bit of rude language,some suggestive material that parents of very young children may not appreciate,and some violence (but nothing too gory that could disturb some sensitive audiences). Well worth a look.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan] Pathé Distribution [France]

Country:

France Germany Czech Republic

Language:

French

Release Date:

24 September 2008 (France)

Also Known As:

Paris 36

Filming Locations:

Surtainville, Manche, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$44,690, 5 April 2009

Gross USA:

$851,540

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$12,940,622

Company Credits

Production Co:

Galatée Films, Pathé, Constantin Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

DTS 70 mm (70 mm print) Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1