EXCLUSIVE REVIEWS
THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE
Animated Comedy, 78 minutes
As one of only three animated movies nominated for an Academy Award this year, this quirky little Canada-France-Belgium co-pro is an undiscovered gem. It was written, directed and drawn by Sylvain Chomet, a Frenchman who had to move to Quebec to get his movie made.
If you haven’t seen it, you should. There is no dialogue, just a very groovy sound track. The story involves the adventures of a French cyclist named Champion, his aging but indomitable mother, and his even more aging dog. There are evil mafia guys too.
The reason I loved this movie is, it reminded me that what a film does is make you FEEL. When you watch Triplets you will be catapulted back into your own memories of being a kid, of trying to win, and of risking things for the ones you love.
This is a true “work of art” – it’s really a moving painting, more than a dramatic film. The combination of 2D and 3D graphics is cutting edge, but it has an old fashioned feel to it you can’t help but like.
You’ll also love the theme song, a foot-tapping, finger-snapping melody by Benoit Charest. I still find myself humming it weeks later, and the song is also nominated for a Best Song Oscar, which it has a real chance of winning.
It’s a delicious irony that this film is up for two Oscars when, in a laugh-out-loud moment, you realize that all the (probably) American people depicted are vastly obese and seriously under intellectual (if you know what I mean).
My prediction: Oscar for Best Song, and more wacky animated confections from Sylvain Chomet.
Robert Kaul
ICAT Media Inc
If you have an event or party you’d like to see in zineCAT, email Robert Kaul at robert@icatmedia.com.
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