Released on October 23, “Monsieur Aznavour” is a biopic about the legendary singer, featuring a remarkable performance by Tahar Rahim. The film has received a mixed reception, boasting a 3 out of 5 rating from critics and a 4.2 from the public. While many viewers were moved by the emotional storytelling and insights into Aznavour’s life, some criticized it for being too conventional and lengthy, feeling it lacked depth despite the strong performances.
Premiering in theaters on October 23, Monsieur Aznavour has made an impact on its initial viewers. The film received an average press rating of 3 out of 5 from 36 critics and a commendable 4.2 out of 5 from the audience, based on the opinions of 682 viewers (including 256 critics). Below, we summarize some of the audience reactions.
This biopic, which chronicles the fascinating life of the legendary singer, features an immersive performance by Tahar Rahim, who completely transforms into his role. Notably, this year has seen a surge of biographical films, including those on Bob Marley and Amy Winehouse, and with the centenary of Aznavour’s birth approaching in 2024, the film’s release is timely.
Unforgettable Performance Filled with Emotion
The majority of online reviewers have expressed their admiration for the film. Tahar Rahim’s portrayal of Charles Aznavour has been widely praised, with many viewers feeling deeply moved.
Olivier G. (4.5/5): ‘This film is beautifully crafted, offering insight into Aznavour’s extraordinary life, his moments of brilliance, as well as his struggles, and sheds light on the creation of some of his most beloved songs. The actors deliver a dramatic yet musical performance that is captivating without being overly dramatic. Bravo!‘
Yves 4. (4.5/5): ‘This biopic is bound to be a success, guaranteed to evoke strong emotions…‘
Nico F. (4.5/5): ‘The film exudes emotion throughout… Themes of obsession, the streets, Edith Piaf, adversity, talent, and hard work are depicted in a powerful narrative about the complex life of Aznavour. A must-see. Tahar Rahim is phenomenal.‘
Criticism of Traditional Approach
Conversely, some viewers felt the film fell short, citing that it was overly conventional, drawn out, and skimmed over key events.
Guy67 (2.5/5): ‘While the acting was spot-on, the film itself is quite conventional, lacking much cinematic flair. It falls into the category of typical biopics intended for mainstream audiences and awards.‘
Cool_92 (2.5/5): ‘I found it disappointing. The film attempts to cover Aznavour’s ascent through various encounters and snippets of his life but ends up feeling long (2 hours and 13 minutes) and hastily executed. Moreover, the narrative is disjointed. Rather than seeing Aznavour, I felt like I was watching Rahim impersonate him. The portrayal of the artist feels negative. The actress representing Piaf stands out, but I expected more from the directing duo, despite their evident interest in the subject.‘
alco8 (1.5/5): ‘This is yet another formulaic biopic that lacks depth. The focus remains on Aznavour’s likeness and gestures, which is only skin deep. The makeup does not enhance the performance either. Additionally, the concept of linking moments in life to songs feels repetitive and tiresome. Overall, it skims through decades of his life, only touching on a few songs, and then it’s over.‘
Monsieur Aznavour is currently showing in theaters.
* Ratings averaged from feedback gathered on October 25, 2024.