Scene - Blogs - Keep your eye on the sparrow

Keep your eye on the sparrow
Published: 9/4/2007 2:25 PM
Last Modified: 9/4/2007 2:25 PM

The song “La Vie en rose” may only vaguely register with anyone under the age of 40. Informing people that the fantastic new film biography using that title is about French singing icon Edith Piaf means even less to them.

But the fact is that most moviegoers know her voice, if only briefly, and understand its heartbreaking quality and staggering power. That’s because most moviegoers of the last decade have seen “Saving Private Ryan.”

The song is “tu es partout,” and if you’re already making the connection, it’s because the scene is unforgettable.

What’s left of the tiny platoon led by Tom Hanks steels for what will be a final battle. A voice emerges from a gramophone amid the village rubble, a sorrowful French mourn of loss, and a soldier played by Jeremy Davies translates the song’s lyrics.

It is the voice of Edith Piaf, and it is devastating. So is the performance of Marion Cotillard in portraying “the sparrow” in “La Vie en rose,” now playing at the Circle Cinema.

My guess is that this is a performance that will be recognized at the end of the year, but the film is here now. The Circle is holding it over for a second week beginning Friday.

Keep your eye on the sparrow.

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nm (5 years ago)

Can't wait to see the movie. Love Edith Piaf, and look forward to your review!

Elaine Russell (5 years ago)

Just when I thought you were the devil, you offer this review of "La Vie en Rose". I was wondering whether it could be worth seeing, and possibly experiencing, but your "keep your eye on the sparrow" musings have convinced me to give it a try. Of course, I reserve the right to disagree with you, but I am hoping for good things.

mcVerXOLHoL (5 years ago)

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I See Movies for Free

“I was born a poor, black child” … not me, actually, but Steve Martin’s character in the “The Jerk.” That absurd opening line is just one of the absurd number of film facts, quotes and minutiae contained in movie critic Michael Smith’s brain, at his disposal to toss out on a moment’s notice. It’s a key requirement as Tulsa World film critic to know these things. Michael learned a few other life facts along the way (seven years as a Crystal’s Pizza & Spaghetti manager) before attempting journalism and joining the Tulsa World in 1996, where he’s covered everything from a school shooting in Fort Gibson to a tornado in Stroud to witnessing an execution. A little community theater coverage was sprinkled in there, too. Movies engender many of his happiest memories, from standing in line for “Star Wars” and “Grease” at the Southroads Cinema to the James Bond and Pink Panther movies that always premiered at the enormous Continental Theater.

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Past Articles By Michael Smith

2/16/2013		Broken Arrow movie theater moves to discount showings
2/15/2013		Review: 'Amour'
2/15/2013		Review: 'A Good Day to Die Hard'
2/15/2013		Review: 'Beautiful Creatures'
2/14/2013		Review: 'Quartet'
2/14/2013		Shirley MacLaine to speak at Osage Casino
2/14/2013		Weekly rewind: February 14
2/14/2013		REVIEW: 'Beautiful Creatures'
2/12/2013		Belgian best picture hopeful 'Amour' opens in Tulsa on Friday
2/10/2013		'Die Hard' marathon at AMC Southroads on Wednesday ends with new film
2/9/2013		Review: 'Identity Thief' a stupid movie from stupid idea
2/8/2013		Oscar audit: Critics choices for best picture hold up over time

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