The Singer

I saw this film on DVD, rather than at the cinema - which always makes a difference - generally not for the better. Starring Gerard Depardieu and Cecile De France, a somewhat typical languorous slow moving French tale of romantic love and relationships. Depardieu plays aging crooner Alain (in the UK he would be the equivalent of the northern club circuit entertainer) who is a wow with middle aged single ladies. One night into one of his nightspots walks attractive young Monica (Cecile De France) suffering the effects of the break up of her marriage. Surprisingly (well in Britain this would be surprising, in France these unlikely pairings seem to cause no surprise, Alain is certainly showing his age, and she is tres chic to say the least). This is not really going anywhere, but it satisfies a need in Monica and Alain is craving for something to counteract loneliness and lack of success. French filmmakers love this kind of picking over and close examination of relationships, but generally it makes me feel uneasy. It could be better done in many cases, and this is one. Gerard slips into the role of Alain ever so easily, but the contrast with Monica is stretching credulity too far. The whole thing is just too bleak and needed more light and less shade. Rating 6/10