AFFFF25: Monsieur Aznavour

Just as Marion Cotillard was to La Vie en Rose, Golden Globe-nominated actor Tahar Rahim is to Monsieur Aznavour, transforming into the iconic singer/songwriter for this lavishly entertaining rise-to-stardom biography of the man who beat all odds to not only become one of France’s best-loved entertainers, but personified French culture to the rest of the world.

Born in Paris in 1924 as the son of Armenian refugees, Charles Aznavour’s formative years are spent in poverty, but distinguished by his parents’ passion for music and theatre. Ridiculed for his short stature and raspy tenor voice – traits he would in time fully embrace – Aznavour’s early attempts at a showbiz career during the Occupation falter. 

Whilst gifted, his material finds more success in the hands of others, including his friend Pierre (Bastien Bouillon), and later the imperious Edith Piaf (a scene-stealing Marie-Julie Baup), who becomes a highly influential mentor and supporter. But by the 1950s, Aznavour finally realises his own ambitions; his empathetic ‘chansonsʼ about the heartbreaks, confusions and passions of the common man (mining the dramas of his own life) catapult him to global attention.

Led by its starʼs astonishing performance and stunning vocal prowess, Monsieur Aznavour is a true tour de force – as intimate as it is spectacular – and serves as a triumphant reminder of the power and impact of music.

Don’t miss one of France’s biggest hits of the year.