Attila Marcel

Attila Marcel is a quirky and imaginative film from the acclaimed French director Sylvain Chomet. It tells the story of a young man named Paul, who was orphaned at a young age and raised by his two maiden aunts in a Parisian apartment. At his aunts' urging, Paul has never spoken a word since childhood, communicating instead through gestures, grunts, and facial expressions.

The film opens on Paul's thirtieth birthday, with his aunts throwing him a party and attempting to find him a wife. Paul tolerates their efforts but seems generally disinterested in their plans for his life. However, when a new neighbor named Madame Proust moves in next door, Paul's world is turned upside down. Madame Proust, a retired piano teacher, offers to give Paul piano lessons, claiming that his talent is evident even though he has never played before.

As Paul begins to explore the world of music, he also discovers a series of strange and vivid memories that he had repressed from his childhood. He begins to piece together the story of his parents' mysterious deaths and the circumstances that led to his adoption by his aunts. Along the way, he also learns more about Madame Proust and her own complicated past.

Attila Marcel is a film that defies easy categorization. It combines elements of comedy, drama, musical, and even fantasy to create a unique and thoroughly engaging story. The film is filled with rich and eccentric characters, from Paul's kooky aunts to the colorful denizens of Madame Proust's building.

At its heart, though, Attila Marcel is a film about the power of music and memory. Through his piano lessons, Paul is able to tap into a part of himself that he had long denied. He discovers that music has the ability to unlock emotions and memories that had been buried for years. This theme is reinforced by the film's wonderful soundtrack, which combines classical music, jazz, and original compositions to create a lush and evocative score.

Guillaume Gouix gives a standout performance as Paul, perfectly capturing the character's mixture of innocence, vulnerability, and quiet determination. Anne Le Ny and Bernadette Lafont are delightful as his aunts, bringing a sense of whimsy and humor to the film. The real standout, though, is Hélène Vincent as Madame Proust. Vincent is a formidable presence onscreen, imbuing her character with a blend of toughness and vulnerability that is captivating to watch.

Attila Marcel is also visually stunning, with Chomet's signature animation style infusing the film with a dreamlike quality. The film's use of color is particularly striking, with each character and location having its own distinct palette. The result is a film that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.

Although Attila Marcel is a relatively obscure film, it is well worth seeking out for fans of quirky and imaginative cinema. With its mix of comedy, drama, music, and fantasy, it offers a wholly unique moviegoing experience. It is a film that celebrates the power of music and memory, and reminds us that there is always something new to discover about ourselves and the world around us.