Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (Blu-ray)
Directed by Denis Heroux
Also Available On:
Download Booking InquiryMort Shuman
Elly Stone
Jacques Brel
Directed by Denis Heroux
Eschewing conventional narrative, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris transforms Mort Shuman and Eric Blau's beloved 35-song stage revue into an infectious movie musical that showcases both Brel's astonishing songwriting breadth and the resourceful audacity of 70's filmmaking. Belgian born Brel's richly sensual, uncompromising and lyrical songs provide a simultaneously ecstatic and tragic framework for this flamboyant and moving film. Director Denis Heroux utilizes everything from puppetry to location photography to shepherd Brel's music far beyond the proscenium-bound horizon.
Working from the surreal imagery and concrete emotions with which Brel laced his lyrics, songwriter Mort Shuman (himself co-creator of some of the most memorable hit songs for the Drifters and Elvis Presley) transforms Brel's French chansons into lushly romantic yet unsentimental English language versions. Shuman, Elly Stone, and Joe Masiell give voice to Brel's tangos and boleros in an explosion of settings that are inexhaustibly imaginative and intimate. But the true showstopper offers Brel himself singing his signature, "Ne Me Quitte Pas," in a sequence that ranks as one of the most powerfully understated and sincere musical performances ever put on film.
From the vitriolic anti-war accusations of "Au Suivant" ("Next") to the achingly real "Chanson des Vieux Amours" ("Song of the Old Lovers"), Brel foments protest without preaching, celebrates tragedy without sinking to despair and offers insight without shunning emotion. Kino's presentation of AFT's Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris is proof of this celebrated modern troubadour's timeless relevance and enduring passion.
Blu-ray Extras Include:
Audio commentary by film historian Bret Wood, with Addison Wood | Interview with Edie Landau | “Ely Landau: In Front of the Camera,” a promotional film for the American Film Theatre | Gallery of trailers for the American Film Theatre
"Infected with spirit...bitingly relevant" - Variety
To read more about Kino Lorber Edu's terms of use and ordering information,
visit Kino Lorber Edu.
RT' @am_cinematheque': NEPTUNE FROST (2021) limited engagement coming to LF3 June 17th - 24th! Plus, Q&A w/ filmmakers' @SaulWilliams' &' @dream…'
RT' @letterboxd': Sergei Parajanov’s 4K-restored Kyiv Frescoes is streaming exclusively for free now on Kino Now, courtesy of' @KinoLorber': ht…
RT' @cinemainitaly': “Oliver Twist meets Blade Runner in the dusty and industrial world of Mondocane.” – Di Mario Manca,' @VanityFair' Directo…
After a bloody double-cross leaves him for dead, professional hit man Jeff (Charles Bronson) tracks the shooter and…' https://t.co/wZvK1MA4ng'
We are proud to present a 4K restoration of Sergei Parajanov’s KYIV FRESCOES, available free and exclusively on …' https://t.co/KrlYmS5PRX'
RT' @Lilfilm': Out today on Blu and KinoCult! Has one of the most intense climaxes I’ve ever seen. Directed by Sergio Sollima and co-written…
RT' @clecinematheque': KAMIKAZE HEARTS shows' @clecinematheque' Thu., May 19 at 8:50pm and Sun., May 22 at 6:30pm!' https://t.co/WDamu5Cc1c'
Two best friends, almost brothers, are caught between love, crime and ambition in a world of the future that looks…' https://t.co/5wxUFjJiRe'
“An enigmatic and intoxicating experience. Remarkably ambitious. Hypnotic and captivating. Masterfully atmospheric.…' https://t.co/sV5cRavsrp'
General Inquiries
333 W. 39th St., Ste. 503
New York, NY 10018
Tel. (800) 562-3330
Fax. (212) 714-0871
Press & Media
For publicity assistance and press inquiries please contact us by emailing dninh@kinolorber.com or calling 212-629-6880.
Educational
Please visit our educational site at www.KinoLorberEDU.com
For assistance with educational orders, please contact us at:
Phone:212-629-6880
Fax: 212-714-0871
email: edu@kinolorber.com