The Triplets of Belleville

Anyone seen this movie from the mid 2000s? Released as Bellville Rendez-vous in the UK (I guess they thought the French would scare Americans away).

An animated film made in Montreal, I think. It is in French, but there is very little dialogue, and the animation is very beautiful. I believe it was hand-drawn and lost the best animated film OSCAR to Finding Nemo, which was a shame that the small hand made film lost to the giant computer generated behemoth.

It is set in France and centers around a poor cyclist who rides the Tour de France. There is some great cycling animation, and if you are into cycling or the Tour de France or history, it is a great film.

I found the opening sequence on YouTube. Django Reinhart playing the guitar with his toes, Fred Astaire's shoes attacking him, and a topless Josephine Baker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-njLrDnW00

Here's a clip of the cycling. It is amazing to think of drawing, by hand, each spoke revolving: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHB_dzJOk4U

The humour is subtle, but there are some laugh out loud moments.

I own the soundtrack for that movie. I love it!!

Quote: AndreaLynne @ February 28 2010, 1:17 AM GMT

I own the soundtrack for that movie. I love it!!

View original

I bought the soundtrack, as well. It's great.

I believe that the filmmaker also had a hand in making the music as well.

Fantastic film, absolutely stunning artwork. (Am I the only one who thinks the young Champion looks a little like David Mitchell?). The original French title was Les Triplettes de Belleville. No idea why it was changed for the UK release. I have the DVD, but it has been bowdlerised to remove the most shocking scenes of animal cruelty (e.g. the dog being used as a spare tyre). Which is a shame.

Also worth checking out is Sylvain Chomet's dark short The Old Lady and the Pigeons. I think he has a new film coming out this year.

Great film. The best Sunday paper freebie ever!