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Sylvain Chomet, the wonderfully idiosyncratic creator of films such as Belleville Rendez-vous and The Illusionist, makes a first foray into live action filmmaking with Attila Marcel, in which he presents a world that is just as joyously bold, intriguing and distinctive. Thirty-three-year-old musician Paul (Guillaume Gouix) has been mute since he was orphaned in mysterious circumstances as a toddler, living in a childlike bubble with his two overbearing aunts (Hélène Vincent and Bernadette Lafont), who dream of Paul finally winning the annual young pianist competition.

Living downstairs from this trio is Madame Proust (Anne Le Ny), the peddler of a bitter tasting tea which, when it is consumed while a beloved song is playing, enables imbibers to revisit incidents from their past. Paul hopes, for better or worse, that this brew will help him uncover the truth about his parents. (Notes by Michael Hayden.)

IFI FRENCH FILM CLUB
There will be a French Film Club screening of this film on Sept 9th which will be introduced by teacher and film blogger James Dempsey. IFI and Alliance Française members pay €7 a ticket. Please ask at the IFI Box Office.

Don’t forget we now schedule weekly.

★★★★ The Financial Times