A Monster in Paris (2011)
Certified: U
Duration: 90 minutes
Directed by: Bibo Bergeron
Voicing by: Vanessa Paradis, Sean Lennon, Adam Goldberg, Jay Harrington, Madeline Zima, Danny Huston
KRS release
Produced by Luc Besson, Monster in Paris has some really delightful animation sequences, well-rounded characters, moving tunes and a fresh sense of adventure.
One of the film’s plus points is its resplendent animation- Johan Galea
This is not surprising since the film is directed by Bibo Bergeron, the man behind Shark Tale and The Road to Eldorado.
Set in a Seine-flooded Paris in 1910, the film flaunts its diverse influences from the likes of The Phantom of the Opera to Frankenstein, from The Fly to King Kong. The way the monster disguises himself is a nod to The Invisible Man.
Timid projectionist Emile (Jay Harrington) is simply passionate about film and about his collaborator Maud (Madeline Zima). However, his feelings are kept under wraps.
We then find Raoul (Adam Goldberg), a delivery driver who needs to get a new belt for his projector.
We are also introduced to Lucille (Vanessa Paradis) who was Raoul’s childhood friend and who is now working as a cabaret singer at L’Oiseau Rare.
Her aunt wants her to date Maynott, The Chief of Police (Danny Huston) who is in love with no one but himself.
When Raoul and Emile are making a delivery to the botanical gardens, an accident occurs and a common flea somewhow mutates into a large monster of sorts. Soon the creature is the talk of Paris.
Maynott wants to use the fear that ensues in his electoral campaign while Lucille secretly meets with the monster.
At first she is afraid of it but after hearing it sing, she recognises its gentle soul. She names it Francouer and the creature soon becomes part of her act.
It’s then complications galore as Maynott intervenes, Lucille must cope with a jealous admirer, amid chases throughout Paris, airships, childhood love and an unusual car.
One of the film’s plus points must be its resplendent animation – especially the recreation of Paris, which is brought to the screen in a very whimsical manner.
It captures the feel of the French capital and of the era and infuses the film with a sort of Tim Burtonesque atmosphere. We see the city through a child’s eyes, making Paris appear like a truly magical place.
The soundtrack is also of a high standard while some of the tunes are particularly memorable.
When the story becomes somewhat convoluted or a bit tight, a funny moment or a chase is inserted to reel the young ones back in.
Most of all, this film has character and charm aplenty –a quality which is sometimes lacking in some of the Hollywood offerings.