My Way (2012)

Biopics are all somewhat un-spoilerable: you know from the first frames, where usually the character is shown as an adorable baby, that such character will do stuff, be famous and/or infamous and then die. That's why, in Cloclo, it's easy to fear the obvious outcome when, in the later part, the characters start to say "see you tomorrow" in an involuntarily ominous way.I am a fan of French music but not of Claude François. The little I've seen and heard of him, seemed wooden, insincere and dated. All I knew before the film is that he dated France Gall and died young. I didn't know how he died and so to me the end came as a surprise twist, a stunning display of the pointless randomness of life, an almost unsubtle payback fit for a control freak. The surprise made come alive a film that, although hugely enjoyable because of the amazing acting, had to that point submissively followed the blueprint of Every Biopic Ever.This is not a deep movie but then probably the life of its subject was a bit shallow itself. I wish it had had more historical / contextual references than those it has (Zero? Does a passing mention of Johnny Hallyday count?). Still, director and actors more than save the day: it's a period piece that it's terrific fun.

I came here to write a clever review of a paradoxical film, but 'doctorrugger' pretty much summed up all you need to know about the film. It is 'two films' ultimately. Director Florent-Emilio Siri (of the wonderful "L'ennemi intime") has the chops to make a vacuous script worthy of a made-for TV biopic engrossing from almost the first frame of the film. A stellar performance by Jérémie Renier doesn't hurt either. You really don't like this guy, and that's the point. I wouldn't necessarily call him a 'no- talent ass-clown, but, he certainly had the heart of one.I recommend watching online video of Claude François BEFORE watching the film. Jérémie Renier's performance makes the real Cloclo seem absolutely wooden.

I was surprised when I first heard of the film, only in project. Florient Emilio Siri - the director of NID DE GUEPES, HOSTAGE and L'ENNEMI INTIME, the greatest french action film maker of all times - who planned to tell the biopic of the famous Claude François, the fabulous french singer of the seventies. I thought it was a joke. What connection between him and the other films of Siri?I'll be honest; if it had not been him to direct this, I would never have gone to watch it. I loved Cloclo when I was a kid, when I heard his songs while going to vacation with my parents in our 404 Peugeot, or when I watched his appearances at Mariti and Gilbert Carpentier Saturday evenings shows on TV. But I know his story and especially his tragic and idiot ending. Period.But I was curious to see how the hell the great french director, so gifted in action masterpieces, could perform with such a tale...And I was astonished to see that Siri was not only an exceptional action film film maker, but an awesome director above all. And even if this one is not an action movie, this is probably is best feature till now. Some viewers may find this not complete concerning the actual character, the lead - who is played by the terrific Jeremie Régnier, a sort of dead ringer of Cloclo, nothing less. I won't disagree with them. But the way to present this man, the directing, the film making, all this grabs you from the beginning to the end. Siri is really a great director, probably the best the french movie industry had since a while now.Don't forget Bruce Willis wanted him to direct DIE HARD 4...I am hurry to watch his next film.

Just saw the film, that came out today in France. For those who are nostalgic, it is probably a good enough reason to like this biopic. For those who are fans of Claude François, there is nothing that should make them sad or angry. All the ingredients are there: poor young lad becomes rich and famous through music, gets the money and the beautiful girls, and dies in a stupid accident, young enough (39) to not have to witness his decay, like with Johnny Hallday. However, for those who are not nostalgic of the seventies and who are no fans of Claude François: don't even consider satisfying your curiosity, because there is nothing to see.