There has been much talk about this film directed by Oliver Dahan and the performance Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf. Don't believe the hype.The film is non-linear as it points out the milestones in Edith Piaf's life, from the start as a young girl living in brothels all the way to her death.
The unconventional structure really doesn't add much to the narrative, other than to remove any emotional attachment that the audience gains. In fact, once a period starts to gain momentum, the director cuts to a different time period. The problem is that it almost seems random; the scenes don't inform one another. Instead of getting to know a character, we are left with a compilation of scenes spread throughout her life.
My biggest gripe however, is the lip-synching. It ruined the entire experience for me. It's a touch call in a musical bio-pic if one should resort to the original tracks, or let the actor sing. Obviously, Cotillard would sound nothing like Edith Piaf, but to me, that's besides the point. We need a performance that has the spirit of the original person, not necessarily the same look or sound. It is for this reason that Control, The Doors and even Ray are far more succesful films.
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