A Monster in Paris (2011)
- Jan 27, 2012
- 2 min read
Director: Bibo Begeron
Starring: Vanessa Paradis, Sean Lennon, Adam Goldberg
Premiéred at Toronto International Film Festival in 2011, released in the UK on January 27th 2012
A Monster in Paris follows the plight of Francoeur (Lennon), a seven-foot singing flea and his friends, Lucille, Raoul, and Emile who are trying to save him from the murderously ambitious gaze of Police Chief Maynott. Originally a French Film (Un Monstre Á Paris) that has been dubbed into English, this is nothing less than a sparkling gem of fantastic entertainment that should be seen by the world and his wife, if only to see for themselves exactly what children’s films could be if we only gave them a chance.
The story is well thought out. Nothing brought up is irrelevant to the plot in any way, either resolved instantly or returning quite brilliantly at a later point. The characters aren't painstakingly introduced one-by-one, instead gradually shown to us through the casual progression of the day and gently endearing us to them and their individual plights.
The true star of the movie is its music. The tunes are simple but beauteous and melodic; catchy and memorable with good instrumentals they implore you to revisit them. Every note serves a purpose frequently being the only way Francoeur, lost and hated by the city can truly express himself, gaining the trust of the audience and the other characters.
While there is a romantic will-they-won't-they subplot, it doesn't smother the main story, instead keeping to the side-lines and ultimately leaving its resolution towards the very end allowing the true core message to shine through.
Easily one one of my favourite cinema experiences of the last few years, combining simplicity and freshness while breaking the conventions of what I've come to expect from kid's films; I suspect I will be revisiting this one for years to come.
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