The 2011 French Film Festival, presented by Brown University, is under way at the Cable Car Cinema. All films are presented in French with English subtitles. Seen here is Gainsbourg, vie héroïque (Tuesday at 9pm).
Part bio-pic, part fantasy, Joann Sfar mixes facts and self-generated legends to retrace the life of French singer-songwriter and agent provocateur Serge Gainsbourg. From his Jewish childhood in Nazi-occupied France, Gainsbourg rose to fame in the Sixties writing songs for the stars of French pop music, including Brigitte Bardot, France Gall, and Jane Birkin. But self destructive tendencies and sexual proclivities were never far from the surface. This is the first film for director Sfar, an award-winning graphic novelist.
Festival runs through March 6th, $9 general admission, $7 student, Cable Car Cinema, 204 South Main Street, 272.3970