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La Vie d'Artiste review
:. Director: Marc Fitoussi
:. Starring: Sandrine Kiberlain, émilie Dequenne
:. Running Time: 1:47
:. Year: 2008
:. Country: France
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There is a fine line between living from your art and selling out, which is what La Vie d'Artiste explores, following the sinuous paths of an actress, a singer and a writer.
Following Avenue Montagne, La Vie d'Artiste seems to confirm that there is a new subgenre in comedy, which aims at chronicling the lives of artists in Paris, which isn't surprising given that the City of Lights is also known as the world's capital of the arts.
One can imagine what such a subject would have become in the hands of a pretentious filmmaker — I'm thinking a headache-inducing solemn essay — or in the hands of a vulgar director — see Claude Lelouch's And Now Ladies and Gentlemen if you dare. By opting for a light comedy, writer/director Marc Fitoussi manages to smoothly deliver his message without forgetting to bite serious artists and sell-outs in the process.
Sandrine Kimberlain (Alias Betty, For Sale) plays Alice, an actress who makes ends meets by dubbing a manga while dreaming of serious work. Through her character, we're told that even if you have talent, luck is one of the most important factors to make it in this industry. Both Alice and Bertrand (Denis Podalydès — Caché), a self-absorbed college professor trying to write a novel, take themselves seriously, but whatever diverse paths they choose, we see that real art and success aren't assured. Through Cora (Emilie Dequenne — The Housekeeper), a singer who has a taste for "chanson populaire", Mr. Fitoussi delivers the portrait of a more genuine artist who'd rather struggle than sell out — she even turns down a French American Idol audition.
While La Vie d'Artiste isn't a deep, unforgettable oeuvre, it is a pretty accurate depiction of artists from these various fields — evolving in these worlds, I can tell you that I recognized each of the characters. What also makes this film work is that Mr. Fitoussi used a refreshing and charming comedy as a vehicle for his message. Despite its subject, the picture is never patronizing or boring, especially since it's supported by a good cast.
In the end, the film tells us that it's OK to sell out, as long as there is an audience and that you don't compromise yourself. While I don't totally agree with the beginning of that statement, the point where I'm right behind him is that — fake and bad — wannabee artists should assess themselves and drop the ball — and I can tell you that, without a doubt, the world would be a better place without the likes of Thomas Kinkade.
Fred Thom
 Reviews of French Movies: 2012 - present
French Films: 1998 - 2011 Reviews
French Music Reviews
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