So Frenchie

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Wednesday night's gala opening of the French Film Festival was a definitely a Frenchie affair. At the atmospheric National Art School drinks and canapés were enjoyed by a large contingent of stylish looking expats (and at least one self-conscious Aussie - moi!). Later on, a short stroll down Oxford Street brought us to the Palace Academy Twin, where we took our seats and waited for the welcoming committee to begin...

...45 minutes of welcoming later (by various Frenchies, and, surprisingly, our own Tina Arena, who has just been awarded the French Order of Merit), we were yawning into our wine glasses, waiting for the film to commence!

Finally, the lights dimmed and after a litany of Tefal advertisements, the very appropriately titled Paris 36 (Faubourg 36) took centre stage.

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This film is so French; it's theatrical, quaint and quirky Paris, with an inbuilt accordion. It's a very affectionate tale about the failing Chansonia theatre in the 1930s, whose tenacious stagehands attempt to restore it to its former glory. Set amidst the political turmoil of the inter-war era, much of the action comes from the clashes between Communists and Fascists.

Actually, this political subplot doesn't do much for the film. It certainly creates tension, but in an almost cartoonish way. The two emotional journeys - the love triangle surrounding the fetching Douce, and the efforts of the down-and-out Pigoil to win back his son - are far more interesting, if also a bit overcooked at times.

The star of the show is the show itself. The musical numbers performed at the Chansonia are totally engaging and wonderfully presented. This is certainly a feel-good film, and though it could have done with about a half an hour prune, it's absolutely gorgeous to look at. So if you feel like getting Frenchie, find your way over to Faubourg 36.

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Paris 36 has further screenings at the Alliance Francais Film Festival. Check the website for session times.