Gainsbourg Grosses $4M In 1st Week

"Another biopic, this time about the life of legendary French musician Serge Gainsbourg, opened in France on January 20 through Universal Pictures International. Gainsbourg (Vie Héroique) played on 511 screens and generated almost $4m, which placed it third in the market behind Avatar and Warner Bros’ Invictus. The French production opens in Belgium this weekend, with further releases in Russia (March 18), Netherlands (April 15) and Germany (July 15)." (via Jack Warner at ScreenDaily)

Gainsbourg Australian Premiere Announced

The Australian premiere of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) will take place in both Sydney and Melbourne on March 21, 2010 for the Closing Night Gala at The Alliance Française French Film Festival.

The festival happens simultaneously throughout the month of March across six cities in Australia - Sydney (March 2-21), Melbourne (March 4-21), Canberra (March 18-31), Brisbane (March 17-31), Perth (March 17-31), and Adelaide (March 18-31) and Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) will also be shown to close out the event in each of the four remaining cities on March 31.

To see all the details about The Alliance Française French Film Festival visit their official website by clicking here or the flyer above.

Special Serge Gainsbourg Mash-up Album

In honor of last week's release of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) across France, our friends at BootlegsFR have just released a special Serge Gainsbourg mash-up album called Je Deteste Serge Gainsbourg and it is available for FREE DOWNLOAD!!! I got my copy yesterday and haven't been able to stop listening to the ridiculously amazing cuts put together by producers Yold, Grandpamini, ComaR, DJ BC, DJ Y alias JY, PhatBastard, Mighty Mike, and Gaston.

It's absolutely phenomenal and features 14 tracks (in addition to 5 bonus tracks) of Serge Gainsbourg mixed and mashed alongside artists like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Jadakiss, Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, 50 Cent, Major Lazer, Kings of Leon, The Gossip, The Offspring, and Michael Jackson among many others.

This album is a must have. To download it now from BootlegsFR, click here.

Portuguese Review of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque)

Throughout the short life of this blog, I've discovered that Serge Gainsbourg has a surprisingly huge fan-base in Brazil, and many fans have somehow found their way here to the blog. So, my Portuguese-speaking friends, este post é para você (this post is for you).

Film critic and @GainsbourgFilm Twitter follower, Ana Leorne, attended a screening of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) last week in France and penned this review for the Portuguese website Rascunho. In it, she praises the actors portrayals of the principal characters and explains how the film becomes much more than a traditional biopic through Joann Sfar's use of an "imaginary surreal universe" and characters like La Gueule to tell Gainsbourg's story.  To read Ana's full review in Portuguese, clique aqui.  To read the translation in French, cliquez ici, and in English, click here.

Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) in New York for Univision's Rendez Vous

Elsa Keslassy at Variety just reported that Joann Sfar's Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) will be one of sixteen films show at French film promotion organization, Univision's Rendez Vous in New York City running from March 11-21, 2010.

Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) will be shown amongst a diverse line-up of French films by noteworthy directors such as Yvan Attal, Michel Gondry, and Christian Carion.  Gainsbourg cinematographer, Guillaume Schiffman's French box-office money-maker, OSS 117 - Lost in Rio will also be included in the line-up. To read Variety's complete coverage, click here.

Gainsbourg Paris Premeire Video Interviews

New friend of the blog, journalist Catherine Beauchamp, from the site Le Tapis Rose de Catherine, has just released the first part in a series of videos captured at the Paris premiere of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) on January 14, 2010. Part 1 features red-carpet coverage outside of the premiere alongside in-depth interviews with lead actor Éric Elmosnino and Writer/Director Joann Sfar. We previously featured the teaser to Catherine's series here. Sorry, English-speakers, no subtitles. This one is only available in French.  However, you can read Catherine's description in English by clicking here. For French cliquez ici.

(via Le Tapis Rose de Catherine)

The Childhood of Serge Gainsbourg: In Reality and On Film (Video)

Le Populaire's Jean-François Julien published a piece earlier today entitled "Lucien Guimbarda aka Gainsbourg, even in Limousin" which details the account of Serge Gainsbourg, aka Lucien Ginzburg, aka Lucien Guimbarda's escape from Nazi persecution to Limoges from Paris during WWII. It recounts stories from Joseph and Olya Ginzburg's family friends, describing their moves from Odessa to Paris and then on to Limousin. Gainsbourg biographer, Gilles Verlant, discusses the importance of Serge's years in Limousin, saying that it's "undeniable that it is in Limousin that's drawn the character of Serge Gainsbourg" and that "one thing is sure, the links between the Limousin is Gainsbourg are numerous. To read Julien's full article in French, cliquez ici, and in English, click here.

In Gainsbourg (vie héroïque), Lucien Ginzburg is portrayed by Swiss actor, Kacey Mottet Klein. See his recent appearance on Swiss television station TSR1 in the video below.

(via YouTube)

Gainsbourg Photo Exhibit in Paris Jazz Club

On January 12, Le Jazz Club Etoile at The Hotel Méridien Etoile opened it's doors to host an exhibition of over 20 photographs from Gainsbourg (vie héroïque)  that will run through February 14, 2010.

In celebration of the film's release these photographs are stills of almost all the film's principle actors, including Éric Elmosnino, Laetitia Casta, Lucy Gordon, Sara Forestier, Anna Mouglalis, Kacey Mottet Klein, and many more shot on-location while filming last year. While you're perusing the photographs, the original soundtrack to the film, arranged and composed by Olivier Daviaud, plays over the speakers throughout the day while large screens play the film's trailer on a continuous loop.

Le Jazz Club Etoile at The Hotel Méridien Étoile has been one of the staples in the Paris Jazz scene since 1975. If you're in Paris anytime before February 14th, make sure to stop by this amazing venue.

Open to the public every day!

Le Jazz Club Etoile
Hotel Le Méridien Etoile
81 boulevard Gouvion St-Cyr – 75017 Paris
www.jazzclub-paris.com

Sunday Special: Gainsbourg Podcast With Will Kane

Will Kane, our good friend and author of the phenomenal blog The World of Kane, just guest-hosted a new special Serge Gainsbourg podcast in honor of last week's release of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) in theaters across France.The podcast is called Nostalgia of the Future by Billy Reeves and it's described as "Beat for Beatniks. Chums having a chat. Northern Soul for girls. A mod that hates yobs, " and this episode, "Will Kane et Serge Gainsbourg" was fittingly recorded "at L’institute Francais in central London  - over a glass of Bordeaux." 

Click the links above to visit our friends or you can hear the podcast directly by clicking here. 

Time Magazine: Sfar Preserves Gainsbourg's Mystique

Weekly American publication Time Magazine picked up on the Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) buzz yesterday, posting a review that praises the efforts of Writer/Director Joann Sfar and highlights the performance of Éric Elmosnino, "whose resemblance to Gainsbourg is eerie" says reviewer, Grant Rosenberg (agreeing with virtually every review of the film published thus far).  Despite the fact that Gainsbourg's life may not necessarily be portrayed as "heroic", Sfar's film, like Gainsbourg's music, captures his mystique as a cult figure in France, and the film's opening this week is described as a "national event".

Rosenberg concludes that Sfar has delivered on an "audacious undertaking" of paying hommage to a lovable, yet tragic national idol and that the proof can be seen in the lines outside theaters "packed with French audiences eager to see their Serge and his illustrious life on the big screen".

To Read Grant's full review click here.

Fair and Balanced: The Other Side of the Coin

In the time-honored journalistic tradition of remaining fair and balanced, we've decided to discuss this highly-critical review of Joann Sfar's Gainsbourg (vie héroïque).  For the most part, everything we've seen or heard in the media has been in the form of celebratory congratulations for Sfar's "fantastic fairy-tale" of Serge Gainsbourg.

However, Philippe Bilger from Marianne2.fr is not "drinking the kool-aid" so-to-speak, saying Sfar's story is not successful and that, basically, he's just in love with the idea or "existence of Gainsbourg".  He also says Sfar's attempt to illustrate the double personality of Gainsbourg with La Gueule, calling the character "a puppet that accompanies (Gainsbourg) too often and too long."

Bilger does note that the only positive things saving the film are the performance of Éric Elmosnino as Serge Gainsbourg and the fact that Laetitia Casta aesthetically resembles Brigitte Bardot while "miraculously, is not too unbearable as an actress".  Ouch!

To read Bilger's full trashing of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) in French, cliquez ici, and in English, click here.  For those of you who've seen the film, what do you think? Do you agree? Is this man crazy? Leave your comments below!

Joann Sfar Comments on Culture

In the past few days, a small controversy has arisen on the Internet (what's new?) over a critical statement made by Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) Writer/Director Joann Sfar in an article posted on Numerama this past Wednesday, the same day as the film's release in France. While commenting on the subject of piracy and illegal downloading, he was quoted as saying:

"Culture is a commodity like others that (people) must buy."

While I absolutely agree that the artists and studios who create amazing works of art and culture should certainly be compensated for the time and investments that were put into making them, to say that "culture is a commodity" really just leads to a wonderful philosophical debate, which is exactly what's happened in the comments section of the original article by Guillaume Champeau.  To read it in French, cliquez ici, and in English, click here.

Gainsbourg Mashup Dance Party in Paris: THIS SATURDAY! DRESS CODE!

This Saturday night, January 23, 2010, l'Agence Tous Disques in association with BootlegsFR are hosting a special Gainsbourg-themed Mashup Dance Party (Mix Mix Gang Bang #4: la Consécration) in honor of the recent release of Joann Sfar's Gainsbourg (vie héroïque). The event will take place in the heart of Paris at La Lucha Libre (10 rue de la Montagne Sainte Geneviève). The festivities begin at 9 PM (21:00), but there is a DRESS CODE. The organizers are requesting you dress like Serge Gainsbourg or any of his female companions/muses, so get creative and have a blast!

Cliquez ici to RSVP on Facebook

If you live in Paris and like to get down and party hard, then you absolutely must go, as the promoters are promising a night featuring "headlines, clotheslines, flight plans, crushing, dirty tricks ...and most importantly: bootleg mash-ups, ramshackle remixes, new discoveries from far away... and also cheap shots! GRATOS!"

UPDATE: Here's a little taste of what you can expect - NSFW / EXPLICIT CONTENT - Yold - "Hip-Hop Cucul" (ft. Serge Gainsbourg and Dead Prez)

Gainsbourg Reviews Hit Hollywood

The first US publication to review Joann Sfar's Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) is Hollywood's Variety, and in it Jordan Mintzer praises the first-time director's debut effort, saying it "offers up a feast of memorable chansons and an almost endless parade of drop-dead-gorgeous muses," while tracing Serge Gainsbourg's career from "the jazz-influenced melodies of the early '60s to the electronic ramblings of the '80s -- in episodic bursts that combine flesh-and-blood lookalikes with cartoons, puppetry and flashbacks to a childhood marked by the German Occupation."

Mintzer also compliments the performances and casting of Éric Elmosnino and Laetitia Casta as "dead ringers" for Gainsbourg and Bardot, in addition to the beautiful cinematography of Guillaume Schiffman, which "mixes biography with dreamlike fantasy."  To read Jordan's full review of the film, click here.

It's great to finally start hearing some news about the film coming from the States. Hopefully we'll hear about a US release date next!

Gainsbourg Opening Day Totals: Update!

The AFP just announced that Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) was seen by over 73,000 people on 499 screens, making it the #1 film at the French box office yesterday.

Below are yesterday's total ticket sales (via CBO Box Office):

1. Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) - 73,507 tickets
2. The Book of Eli - 40,072 tickets
3. Did you Hear About the Morgans? - 28,786 tickets
4. A Serious Man - 20,652 tickets

To read the full story in French, cliquez ici, and in English, click here.

Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) Opens On Top In Paris

According to numbers tallied by Premiere France, Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) opened in the #1 spot among films released in Paris yesterday.

"With a score of 2,575 entries for 26 rooms, Gainsbourg (heroic life), the biopic by Joann Sfar, achieves the best score of the day: driven by curiosity and very high expectations, bold casting choices, and very personal achievements, it is likely that this Gainsbarre will continue its momentum." (via Premiere.fr)

To read the yesterday's full box office coverage in French, cliquez ici, and in English, click here.

Artwork From Gainsbourg (vie héroïque): Video

Check out the incredible video below from the Gaumont Opera in Paris featuring sketches and watercolor paintings by Joann Sfar in addition to some amazing photographs from the filming of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) by Jerome Brézillon (see our previous coverage here).

(via Tout Le Cine on Dailymotion)

Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) Contest in Belgium from Télé Moustique

Fans of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) in Belgium are in for a lucky surprise! Télé Moustique is giving away 300 seats (in pairs of 2) for the premiere screenings in Charleroi (100 seats at Cinépoint) and Brussels (200 seats at the UGC Toison d'or) on February 1, 2010. 

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE CONTEST

Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) Canadian Release Date News

It's recently come to light that Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) will open in Quebec on March 12, 2010 in limited release. We would assume that a broader general release across Canada will follow shortly thereafter, but this hasn't been confirmed as of yet.

We just wanted to fill you in with all the information we have now, so make sure to check back soon or subscribe by RSS or email with the form in the sidebar to stay updated.

Sources:The Playlist and Cyberpresse.ca

Gainsbourg Soundtrack Composer Olivier Daviaud: Interview

Yesterday (January 19, 2010), the official soundtrack for Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) was supposed to become available for purchase in the United States through a number of retailers and online, however most distributors do not yet have the album in stock. Having been released two weeks prior overseas, the soundtrack is earning rave reviews from fans and critics alike.  Unfortunately the US will not see the same 2-disc version released in France, and we'll be paying double for half the product, but alas, I'll probably wind up buying both anyway...and the vinyl as well ;) US fans can also order posters (which are in stock) and pre-order their soundtracks on this Gainsbourg page on Amazon.

With all the soundtrack buzz going on around the Internet, I came across an outstanding interview with the Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) Composer Olivier Daviaud by Laura Menanteau on Tout Pour Les Femmes.  In it he discusses what it was like to work with a cast who had to not only recreate the music, but also reinvent, of the iconic Serge Gainsbourg. Additionally, he brings up other contributors to the soundtrack like Dionysos, Emily Loizeau, Nosfell, Gonzales, and Bob Marley keyboardist, Tyrone Donnie. Daviaud goes on to call Joann Sfar "amazing" to work with and also praises the film. To read the full interview in French click here, and in English click here.

Gainsbourg to Receive 5 Stars: Joann Sfar Video Interview

It's been revealed by Philippe Dupuy on NiceMatin.com that Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) will receive 5 stars in Wednesday's edition (the day of the film's release) calling it a "truly magnificent film"and likening it more to a Tim Burton fantasy than a traditional biopic.

Dupuy also interviews Writer/Director Joann Sfar, in which he cites his own parents' musical roots and his desire to restore Serge Gainsbourg's reputation as a poet and patriot as his primary inspiration for making the film. He also praises his cast, specifically Éric Elmosnino, Lucy Gordon, and Laetitia Casta's performances.  To read Dupuy's full interview in French, click here, and in English, click here. You can also see the video interview below.

(via NiceMatin)

Éric Elmosnino and Sara Forestier on NRJ: Video

  

(via Le 6/9 - NRJ)

Yesterday (January 18, 2010), Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) stars Éric Elmosnino and Sara Forestier joined hosts Mustapha El Atrassi, Florian Gazan, and Nikos Aliaga on Radio NRJ Paris's morning program "Le 6/9".  Watch the video interview below (Sorry, only in French).

(via Dailymotion)

Gainsbourg Paris Premiere Videos

Just a few days have passed since the January 14th Paris premiere of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) and videos covering the event are starting to surface around YouTube.  Below are a couple featuring stars Éric Elmosnino and Laetitia Casta in addition to Writer/Director Joann Sfar interviewing with NRJ Paris outside of the Gaumont Theater just before the big show as well as a teaser for longer piece by journalist Catherine Beauchamp (so stay tuned for more).

(via YouTube)

(via YouTube)

Joann Sfar on Lucy Gordon: Dedicates Gainsbourg (vie héroïque)

 (courtesy of The Guardian)

Noticeably absent from the media blitz surrounding the release of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) in France on Wednesday (January 20, 2010), Lucy Gordon has been the subject of a number of pieces published recently about the tragedy of her suicide overshadowing the film's premiere in Paris last week.  In many recent interviews, and television appearances Writer/Director Joann Sfar has made many comments about Lucy and also dedicated the film to her memory.

"The princess of our fairytale is no longer here," he writes. "I feel useless and weak, inventing fictions which are more joyful than the world … I think about Lucy all the time. I am not the only one. This film is for her."

French critics having been praising Gordon's performance as Jane Birkin, Gainsbourg's longtime companion and mother to their daughter together, Charlotte Gainsbourg. Birkin, herself has even said, "There was such honesty, such freshness in her face that I could not have been more flattered."

See a video of her performance below.

Click here to read a wonderful piece about Lucy Gordon and Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) by Lizzy Davies in The Guardian.

Sfar and Elmosnino on France 2: Video

Joann Sfar and Éric Elmosnino were on yesterday's episode (January 15, 2010) of France 2's "You'll Have the Last Word" ("Vous aurez le dernier mot") with Franz-Olivier Giesbert to discuss next week's release of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque). Journalists, Michel Drucker and Bruno Solo joined in on the conversation as well. They even discuss "the Whitney Houston incident" for which Drucker was present at. Below is the full video in 4 parts. Sorry, my anglophone friends, this one's in French only.

Part 1/4

Part 2/4

Part 3/4

Part 4/4

Special Gainsbourg Podcasts

If you're looking for some extra Serge Gainsbourg goodness this weekend, check out this new special podcast for the release of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) hosted by Gainsbourg afficianado, Guuz Hoogaerts (aka Guuzborg from Les Filles Sourires) and Natasha Cloutier (aka Natashka from Oh-La-La, an amazing blog/webradio out of the Netherlands). Click below for the podcast.

 Podcast No. 37 – The Serge Gainsbourg Affair (tracklist below)

Eric Elmosnino & Philippe Katerine – Je bois vs. Intoxicated man
Emily Loizeau & Jeanne Cherhal – Qui est ‘in’, qui est ‘out’
Alain Chamfort – En relisant ta lettre
Serge Gainsbourg – La noyée
Serge Gainsbourg – Evgénie Sokolov
Serge Gainsbourg & Eddy Mitchell – Vieille canaille


An oldie but a goodie, this podcast of Gainsbourg and Gainsbourg-related artists singing his music is hosted by Richmond, VA DJs Lightning's Girl and Alex from the Cause and Effect Show on 97.3 WRIR.  Click the link below and enjoy!

Cause and Effect ~ Serge Gainsbourg (tracklist below)

Contact - Brigitte Bardot
Harley Davidson - Mick Harvey - Intoxicated Man
Je Suis Content - Jacques Dutronc - 7"
Elephant Woman - Blonde Redhead - Misery Is A Butterfly
Jane B. - Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin - Je T'aime Moi Non Plus
L'espace - Mathieu Boogaerts - 2000
69 Année Érotique - Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin - Je T'aime Moi Non Plus
Bonnie and Clyde (Clyde Barrow Version) - Luna - Lunafied
Bari-Pompéi - CAFENEON - CAFENEON
L'Hotel - Michael Stipe - Monsieur Gainsbourg: Revisited
L'Anamour - Beck feat Jane Birkin
Je T'Aime... Moi Non Plus - Jane Birkin - Je
T'aime Moi Non Plus
La Javanaise - Beirut - Live at the Music Hall of Williamsburg
La bourrée du célibataire - Jacques Brel - In the 50s: The Birth of Genius
Fais Moi Mal Johnny - Magali Noel - Le Deserteur
Je Me Suis Coupe la Main - Erick Vincent
Le Borgias - Original - Brigitte Fontaine - Brigitte Fontaine Selected Hits
Samba De Mon Coeur Qui Bat - Coralie Clément - Salle Des Pas Perdu
En Melody - Kahimi Karie - Gainsbourg Made in Japan
Soul Makossa - Babatunde Olatunji - Soul Makossa
Requiem For Anna - Portishead - Monsieur Gainsbourg: Revisited
Comment te dire adieu - Françoise Hardy
The Songs That We Sing - Charlotte Gainsbourg
Coutances - Dick Annegarn - The Science of Sleep (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)
Cherry Blossom Girl (Hope Sandoval Version) - Air - Cherry Blossom Girl
Les Sucettes - France Gall - Poupe´e de son
Roller Girl - Anna Karina -Ultra Chicks, Vol. 2: Lolita Ya-Ya!
Comic Strip - Serge Gainsbourg - Love And The Beat vol.1
Supergirl - Stereo Total - Monokini
Poupee de Cire Poupee de Son - Arcade Fire
Laisse Tomber Les Filles - April March - Chick Habi
Je M'Appelle Geraldine - Jean-Claude Vannier - L'Enfant Assassin Des Mouches
Serge - The Herbaliser - Take London
Odds And Ends - Canon Blue - Colonies

Joann Sfar Thanks Fans on Gainsbourg Official Site

Writer/Director Joann Sfar just posted a thank you note on the Official Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) Website. With less than a week left before it's opening in France, he thanks his fans and the full cast and crew of the film.  Sfar reminisces on the humor within the script (which he re-wrote 11 times), and highlights the efforts of his casting, music, editing, and post-production teams.  To read Joann's full thank you note in French, click here, and for English, click here.

Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) Paris Premiere Photos

Here is a collection of various photos found floating around online after last night's premiere of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) in Paris from the Gaumont Cinema. Enjoy!

 

Cast of Gainsbourg (vie héroïque)

Éric Elmosnino, Joann Sfar, and Laetitia Casta

Éric Elmosnino and Laetitia Casta

Laetitia Casta and Sara Forestier

 

Éric Elmosnino

 

Laetitia Casta

 

Sarah Forestier

Miss France 2009 Chloe Mortaud and Miss France 2010 Malika Menard

 

Éric Elmosnino

 

Actress, Beatrice Rosen

Actress, Virginie Efiral

 

Actress, Jane Balibar and Actor/Singer, Philippe Katerine

 

Director, Claude Lelouch and Friend

Directors, Eric Lartigau and Michel Hazanavicius

Actress, Frédérique Bel

  

Journalist, Gilles Verlant

 

  Actor, Jean-Paul Rouve

Actress, Julie Gayet

Actress, Marie-Anne Chazel

 

Actor/Director, Olivier Marchal

 

Comedian, Michael Gregorio

Actress/Comedian, Amel Shabi

 

Actor, Jean-Luc Lemoine