Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Joann Sfar |
| Products | Biographical drama film |
Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life (original French title: Gainsbourg (Vie héroïque)) is a 2010 French drama film both written and directed by Joann Sfar. This movie serves as a biopic depicting the life of the renowned French singer Serge Gainsbourg.
Plot
The narrative follows Serge Gainsbourg's evolution from his early years during the Nazi occupation of France to his emergence as a famed musical artist. It emphasizes his significant relationships with Juliette Gréco, Brigitte Bardot, and Jane Birkin, as well as his later ventures into reggae music in Jamaica. The story incorporates fantastical aspects, particularly through the character "The Mug," an animated manifestation of Gainsbourg's conscience during critical moments. The film’s soundtrack prominently includes many of Gainsbourg’s signature songs, which also propel the storyline.
Cast
- Eric Elmosnino portrays Serge Gainsbourg
- Lucy Gordon appears as Jane Birkin
- Laetitia Casta plays Brigitte Bardot
- Doug Jones voices La Gueule (the animated mug representing Gainsbourg's conscience)
- Deborah Grall as Lise Levitzky
- Mylène Jampanoï as Bambou (Caroline von Paulus)
- Anna Mouglalis embodies Juliette Gréco
- Yolande Moreau takes on the role of Fréhel
- Sara Forestier as France Gall
- Philippe Katerine portrays Boris Vian
- Philippe Duquesne as Lucky Sarcelles
- Grégory Gadebois in the role of Phyphy
- François Morel plays The Boarding's Director
- Claude Chabrol appears as Gainsbourg's Music Producer
- Ophélia Kolb as The Model
- Kacey Mottet Klein depicts young Serge Gainsbourg (Lucien Ginsburg)
Notes
- The film is dedicated to Lucy Gordon, who tragically died by suicide during post-production.
Critical response
On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, 73% out of 78 critics gave favorable reviews, with an average score of 6.2/10. The general consensus reads: "Though it may suffer from a thin script and somewhat chaotic execution, Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life remains suitably glamorous and intense—anchored by a compelling performance from Erik Elmosnino." According to Metacritic, the film holds a score of 58/100 based on 26 reviews, reflecting "mixed or average" opinions.
Kenneth Turan from The Los Angeles Times offered praise for the movie:
Conversely, A.O. Scott of The New York Times provided a more ambivalent critique:
Accolades
On 25 February 2011, the film secured three prestigious César Awards, including Best Actor awarded to Eric Elmosnino, Best First Feature Film for director Joann Sfar, and Best Sound. Additionally, it garnered eight further nominations.
| Award / Festival | Category | Recipient(s) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabourg Film Festival | Swann d'Or for Best Actor | Éric Elmosnino | Template:Won |
| César Awards | Best Film | Template:Nom | |
| Best Actor | Éric Elmosnino | Template:Won | |
| Best Supporting Actress | Laetitia Casta | Template:Nom | |
| Best First Feature Film | Template:Won | ||
| Best Cinematography | Guillaume Schiffman | Template:Nom | |
| Best Editing | Marilyne Monthieux | Template:Nom | |
| Best Sound | Daniel Sobrino, Jean Goudier and Cyril Holtz | Template:Won | |
| Best Production Design | Christian Marti | Template:Nom | |
| Globes de Cristal Award | Best Actor | Éric Elmosnino | Template:Nom |
| Lumière Awards | Best Film | Template:Nom | |
| Best Director | Joann Sfar | Template:Nom | |
| Best Actor | Éric Elmosnino | Template:Nom | |
| Magritte Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Yolande Moreau | Template:Nom |
| Tribeca Film Festival | Best Actor in a Narrative Feature Film | Éric Elmosnino | Template:Won |