Delightful, beautifully animated, and with far better than expected music, A Monster in Paris is an adorable film, and one worth watching. And it’s now available in 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD.
Directed by Bibo Bergeron, (Shark Tale, The Road to El Dorado) the film has been dubbed into English from French, but Vanessa Paradis plays the role of songstress Lucille in both. And what a likeable character Lucille is. Spunky, beautiful and able to carry a tune, she’s referred to as an angel and wears wings onstage at the Rare Bird club.
The film takes many elements (either knowingly or unknowingly) from Phantom of the Opera. Both are set in France, and Monster’s story takes place in 1910, the same year Phantom began publication as a serial. Lucille is referred to as an angel; the Phantom is called the Angel of Music. Both stories features gifted musicians that terrify the masses and wear masks. And both have characters named Carlotta and Raoul, the latter playing a love interest to the enchanting singer in both as well.
Raoul has known Lucille since childhood. They argue and criticize each other constantly, which of course means they love each other. And Raoul’s friend Emile, who works as a film projectionist, adores Maude but can’t summon the nerve to ask her out.
But when a so-called monster is created accidentally, the citizens of Paris panic. However, the monster is a talented musician who Lucille befriends and names Francour. When the two go onstage together, magic is made. I’ve already looked for the English version of the soundtrack, and I don’t think there is one, and the original French one is sold out. The music is wonderful, though, with catchy songs.
And the animation . . . simply stunning. I don’t often say this, but I’d like to watch the movie again. I heartily recommend watching it.
A Monster in Paris is now available for purchase.
And here’s a clip: