A Dazzling French Musical at Cannes: Leave One Day
Movie musicals have long captivated audiences worldwide, but French cinema has a rich history of its own in this vibrant genre. From Jacques Demy’s enduring classics like The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and The Young Girls of Rochefort to contemporary hits, the French have continually brought captivating musical stories to life. This year, Cannes ushers in Leave One Day (Partir Un Jour), a charming entry that pays homage to the unique blend of reality and music that characterizes French musicals.
The Evolution of the French Musical
French musical cinema often presents a delightful tapestry of real-life settings mixed with spontaneous song-and-dance numbers. Unlike Broadway’s tradition, Paris does not boast an equivalent stage history, leading filmmakers to choreograph their musicals in authentic locales. This ethos dates back to Demy’s audacious seaside shoots and has been embraced by talents like Alain Resnais in Same Old Song and more recently Jacques Audiard in Emilia Pérez.
Introducing Leave One Day
Venue and Key Players
- Venue: Cannes Film Festival (Opener)
- Cast: Juliette Armanet, Bastien Bouillon, François Rollin, Tewfik Jallab, Dominique Blanc
- Director: Amélie Bonnin
- Screenwriters: Amélie Bonnin, Dimitri Lucas
- Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
Amélie Bonnin, in her directorial debut, continues this festive tradition with Leave One Day, a gritty yet jubilant story focused on Cécile (Juliette Armanet), a celebrity chef returning to her quaint hometown to support her family’s struggling roadside restaurant.
A Journey Through Music and Memory
Cécile’s Coming-Home Story
Cécile’s return to her roots brings her face to face with old flames, family strife, and a budding nostalgia. The narrative intertwines with her reunion with high school sweetheart Raphaël (Bastien Bouillon), who still harbors feelings for her. As Cécile grapples with her parents’ restaurant challenges, including her father’s recent heart attack, she also navigates her commitment to her current boyfriend, Sofiane (Tewfik Jallab), a fellow Top Chef competitor.
Charm Amidst Struggles
Bonnin’s screenplay, adapted from her César award-winning short film, presents a relatable coming-home arc sprinkled with charm. While the backdrop could lend itself to darker themes, Leave One Day strikes a surprisingly upbeat tone. The upbeat musical numbers disrupt the narrative organically, contrasting with the film’s occasionally somber realities.
Every musical interlude, starting with Cécile’s impromptu performance of Stromae’s “Alors on danse,” serves more as a mood enhancer than a narrative driver. This unique approach establishes the film as a ‘karaoke musical,’ blending famed tracks by artists like Céline Dion and Claude François into the storyline.
A Captivating Musical Experience
Leave One Day revels in its nostalgic celebration, with standout moments that showcase not only Armanet’s musical prowess but also Bouillon’s magnetic presence. In a heartwarming scene set at an ice-skating rink, the duo revisits their teenage romance, performing the upbeat "Femme Like U," their harmony epitomizing youthful spontaneity. This moment captures the essence of the film — a cozy concoction of memories and melodies.
A Flavorful, If Familiar, Cinematic Dish
Bonnin crafts a feel-good film reminiscent of comfort food—easy to digest but perhaps lacking in depth. While Leave One Day does not delve deeply into the complexities of its characters’ lives, it leaves viewers with a terminally pleasant aftertaste. The film is not a groundbreaking contribution to the musical genre, but it successfully encapsulates the essence of small-town France, infusing it with heartfelt reminiscences and catchy songs.
Conclusion: An Invitation to Dance
In summary, Leave One Day triumphs as a celebration of life, love, and music, showcasing the charm and warmth familiar to French musicals. It may tread familiar ground, but its engaging performances and delightful soundtrack offer an inviting experience for those willing to join in the dance. This film undoubtedly resonates best with French-speaking audiences, but its universal themes of nostalgia and love make it a cultural treasure worth discovering.
For more insights and critiques on Leave One Day, you can check out Hollywood Reporter and dive into the world of French cinematic music!
