Monsieur Aznavour (2024) Movie Script

Oriental music
- I think I overestimated my strength.
I saw myself too big. And I'm losing a lot of money.
Really ?
It's simple, I'm ruined.
- Wait. What are you talking about?
- Maybe I'd better stop everything.
- I've never heard you talk like that.
He sighs.
We'll see.
- Hey, it'll be okay. I'm sure of it.
- See you soon, sister. I'll call you back.
All right.
He hangs up.
Ticking of a clock
Dramatic music
- (In Armenian) - I am the eye and you are the light,
without light, the eye is at night.
Me, the fish,
you, the river,
Without water, fish cannot survive.
But when he is plunged into clear water, he comes back to life.
If you and I are separated, this very hour is my last.
- I'll bring you something to eat and drink!
Come on, Aida. They have begun.
Mischa...
Mischa, what are you going to feed them?
You emptied our reserves last week, I remind you.
You already invite one out of two customers!
- They're not customers, they're friends.
And they're just like us. They're artists, my dear.
Come dance...
You know what I always say.
Look where we came from and where we are today!
But yes, mom! Come on, come dance.
- What are you doing here? Don't listen to us.
Come on, come on, come on, come on!
Dancing music Lively hubbub
He sings.
"The Two Guitars" (Aznavour)
Two gypsies, without respite
Strumming their guitars
Reviving from the depths of the night
All my memory
Without knowing what's rolling inside me
A flood of distress
Are reborn under their fingers
My Crazy Youth
E khe raz, is cho raz
Is there a man who is not a man?
E khe raz, is cho raz
Is for men men raz
I want to laugh, I want to sing
And make my pain drunk
To forget the past
That I hang around with, come on
E khe raz, is cho raz
Is there a man who is not a man?
E khe raz, is cho raz
Is for men men raz
Two guitars in my mind
They cause immense disturbance
Explaining vanity to me
Of our existence
What do we live? Why do we live?
What is the reason for being?
You are alive today You will be dead tomorrow
And even more after tomorrow
Dancing music Lively hubbub
Brouhaha
Manouch, where are we?
- I have two or three ideas.
- Mmh mmh. - But I'm still hesitant.
Mischa,
These flyers are expensive. Are you sure you want to order some?
Obviously, I'm sure.
Advertising is important.
- Manouch, what do you suggest? - So...
"At Aznavourian, everything is grand."
- We can find better. - Better!
"At Aznavourian's...
"on mange bien".
Laughs
- And the rhyme, you idiot? - You, you idiot.
- Not easy, the rhyme, with "Aznavourian".
Brouhaha
Otherwise, I might have an idea.
- At Aznavour's, we run there. - At Aznavour's, we run there. Here.
- Hello. At Aznavour, we run there. Come to our restaurant.
Hello, sir. Come to our restaurant.
- Hello, madam. At Aznavour's, we run there.
- Hello, Charles! - Hello, hello!
- Hey, hi, Charles! - Hi. How are you?
Bell
- I warned you. - Come on, kids. Let's go!
He doesn't even speak French.
Street noise
- What are we going to eat? - I'm going shopping.
What are you going to pay with?
Don't worry.
Did you sell your gold tooth?
You have to eat, right?
Discussion inaudible
Street noise
Do you think it'll be okay, Mom?
If God wills.
The children...
Come see our new cafe, our new home.
She sighs.
I know what you're thinking.
I know.
It's true that it's small here.
But we won't stay long.
All right ?
And we are together...
As long as we are family, nothing can happen to us.
Happy birthday
- Happy birthday... - Stop. That will be enough for me.
Monday morning at the Thtre des Champs-lyses, 9 a.m.
- You tell your parents. - Yes.
(-Congratulations.)
- Is there a little boy who can do an African accent?
Is it paid, sir?
- Who said that? - It was me.
- It could be. Do you know how to do the accent?
- (African accent) - Of course! Hello, sir.
Laughs
- Monday at the Champs-lyses theater. - Okay.
9 h.
THANKS.
Hey, I, am.
Are you doing Arthur?
- Yes, it's me. - Are you ready?
- Yes. - There you go, that's good.
I tell you "shit".
- "Shit"? - It brings good luck.
Is this your first time on stage?
- Yes. - Come on, come on.
It's going to be yours.
Thank you. Come.
Don't forget,
you stand up straight and speak loudly.
All right.
Come on.
Blows
Majestic music
Oh, are you there?
- (African accent) - I'm here. I've arrived.
Audience laughter
- Please welcome our next issue:
Charles Trenet !
We applaud him loudly.
Applause and cheers
There is joy (Charles Trenet)
- There is joy Hello, hello, swallows
There is joy In the sky, above the roof
There is joy and sunshine in the alleys
There is joy Everywhere, there is joy
All day long my heart beats, capsizes and staggers
It's love that comes with I don't know what
It's love Hello, hello, ladies
There is joy Everywhere, there is joy
- (In German) - Thank you, madam.
That's it, please be nice.
Henrietta,
Are you going to let me do something other than imitate Trenet?
- I can sing real songs. - What do you want to sing?
- Great classics, love songs...
To sing about love, you have to be beautiful.
Your voice is completely broken.
Just do what you know how to do.
People are here to have fun.
- Only me... - Stop bothering me!
Light hubbub
Love songs... Anything, him.
Barking in the distance
Shouting in German from afar
Whistle blows
Cries in the distance
Barking in the distance
- Hello, Mline. - Hello, Charles.
- Is Manouch here? - He's waiting for you to beat you at chess.
We'll see.
Mom.
- I found some bread and rutabagas. - That's good.
(We're going to have to share dinner. And you...)
- I know, we'll have to sleep on the floor.
There are people. There are even French people.
- French? - Jews. Manouch will explain to you.
- That's incredible. What is it? - It's your sister.
Next week I'll be all over the subway.
- You're beautiful, too. I never noticed.
- "Aznamour?" - According to the director, it's more glamorous.
Not very flattered, but I'm the only one not undressing.
I wasn't going to be picky.
- I'm proud of you. - Thank you.
Little happy laughs
Discussion inaudible
Gentlemen.
This is my son.
Let me introduce you to Charles. The Rozenbaum family.
- They're going to sleep here for a few days. - Okay.
They were supposed to leave us alone.
Since this morning, they have been rounding up everyone,
Assisted by French police.
- Really? - Yes.
Well done, Mr. Manouchian.
THANKS.
The two Russians and the Armenian work for the German army.
By force. They have just deserted.
They found clothes for them,
but we have to help them disappear.
A bit like your madman, Charles.
- Are you going to get rid of the uniforms? - Yes.
And you change neighborhoods.
- You don't throw them in the same place. - Okay.
- And I sleep at night on the grass of the woods
Flies don't bite me, no, no, no
I'm happy I'm okay, I'm not hungry anymore
And I sing
On my way
Yes! Applause and cheers
- Hey, you know some great people.
Thanks to my poster.
They saw her. The name caught their attention.
They came to see me at the concert. She rings.
- (Imitating his father) - "Advertising is important."
- Yes. Little laughs.
Ah, hello, Aida! Welcome.
- Hello. Charles, this is Jean-Louis Marquet.
Good morning.
- I will introduce you to the Song Club.
- Your sister told me a lot about you. - She's nice.
Our authors, Francis Blanche
- and Lawrence Riesner. - Welcome.
- Hi. How are you, Aida? - Yes.
Pierre Saka, also a singer.
- Little laugh - Hello.
- Behind the scores, our president.
This is Pierre Roche.
Pierre ?
Oh, hello.
Charles. Nice to meet you.
Oh, I'm the one who's delighted.
For me, it will be an osso bucco
and the butter pancake with its coulis,
Please.
And for you?
I'm not very hungry, thank you.
- That's right, you don't want anything? Take something.
Just a coffee for me.
Good...
Is the apartment yours?
Yes, finally to my parents.
They are never there. They live in the provinces.
And you, do you sing and act in the theatre?
- I perform in cabarets and sell newspapers.
- You and Aida are brave. - No real choice.
I take anything that can make me money.
Yes, I understand.
Are you helping me get the singers to work?
My pleasure.
I could work on my singing. My voice is veiled.
It's interesting, a veiled voice.
Lots of American jazz singers have one.
- I sing through my nose. - Oh yeah, well...
at the same time, with that nose, Charles!
- Little laugh - Ah, okay!
They laugh.
Attacked by a young man who is balder than my father.
Lots of humor, I see.
That's good.
Let's get down to business.
Did you see the girls behind you?
- Three brunettes. The prettiest is the one wearing the headscarf.
Observer, with that. I like it a lot.
Admire a little.
Ladies,
Excuse my audacity. Let me introduce you to:
Charles Aznavour, Pierre Roche,
- Parisian dandies at your service. - Yes, and?
- I'm giving a concert in a few days.
I would be delighted to invite you there. Finally...
We would love to have you there.
And you will see that I don't just play the pipe.
Laughs
You welcome people, you smile.
- She's already smiling brightly. - Hello, Pierre.
- Hello, children. - How are you?
- No, we have no news from Pierre Saka.
- He would have been called? - Ah, shit.
- I'm going to sing alone. I can't do the whole song tour.
Could you sing one more song?
No, but don't bother.
- I can sing you two or three songs. - Well...
Yes, why not.
Are you sure, Pierre?
He sighs.
You will pass between Aida and me.
Come on, hop hop hop!
Get back behind your microphone.
Lively piano music Applause and cheers
- And now we will welcome
Pierre Roche and Charles Aznavour!
- She calls us at the same time. What a fool!
Come on, Pierre!
- Let's go. She announced us.
- Together? - Yes, we just have to do like at the club.
- I know the songs. - Pierre Roche...
- Okay, go on. - And Charles Aznavour!
Applause and cheers
- Ah! - Rock Stone !
IN PARIS, THERE IS A LADY
IN PARIS, THERE IS A LADY
(-Three, four...)
- IN PARIS, THERE IS A LADY IN PARIS, WHO THINKS OF ME
IN PARIS, SHE CLAIM FOR ME IN PARIS, I HEAR HER VOICE
SHE HAS GOLD TEETH, MANY SERVANTS
COURTS OF ADMIRES, A GARDEN ON ITS ROOF
FISH IN THE BATH, FANTASTIC JEWELRY
Birds of Brazil
An Alaskan fox
AH AH AH AH
IN PARIS, THERE IS A LADY IN PARIS, WHO THINKS OF ME
IN PARIS, SHE CLAIM ME IN PARIS...
- I hear his voice - With us!
- THERE IS A LADY IN PARIS WHO THINKS OF ME
IN PARIS, SHE CLAIM FOR ME IN PARIS, I HEAR HER VOICE
SHE HAS GOLD TEETH, MANY SERVANTS
COURTS OF ADMIRES, A GARDEN ON ITS ROOF
FISH IN THE BATH, FANTASTIC JEWELRY
- Birds... - FROM BRAZIL
The audience sings along.
Applause and cheers
- A guy who has a club in Lille invites you to come.
It's very small. It would cost 50 francs, but hey...
- It's going to be complicated to get there. There are almost no more trains.
50 francs... each?
Mmh.
- For 50 francs, we will find a solution.
- It's a strip club, a bit like a stripper.
- You're right, we'll find a solution.
Laughs
You will need
songs for you. Oh yes!
We're not just going to do covers.
- We have the best authors in Paris here.
Do you have anything to suggest to us?
- We have two or three finished songs, yes.
But we plan to offer them to more famous singers.
Finally, which are already turning.
- But the spirit of the Song Club is precisely...
It doesn't matter.
We'll do it ourselves.
It shouldn't be that complicated to write two verses and a chorus.
Soft piano music
Look at the desk.
There are pens too.
- I can't stand all their "lalalalala" anymore.
"I'm walking down the street, lalalalala",
"And look at the sky, lalalalala"...
We need to put words in their place.
I thought of something.
Upbeat music
Keep it up.
He wore
a taupe felt
Charles hums.
A taupe felt?
Yes.
I was in your neighborhood
and in a hatter's window I see "taup felt".
The guy explained to me that it was made of moleskin.
With the war, even the bourgeoisie are getting by.
- A taupe felt-tip pen? I like it a lot. - Is that true?
- Yes. Upbeat music
- I would like to rhyme that with "onomatopoeia".
I could scatter like a jazzman.
Ah! Now you're talking to me.
Shall we try together?
HE WAS WEARING A TAUPE FELT HAHe spoke through onomatopoeia
He drank iced coffees
With straws
- But it works! - Mmh.
But I find it amazing.
Boh, have you written before?
Non.
- I don't believe you. - I swear I don't.
The crazy thing is...
It doesn't even seem difficult to me.
LATER THEY GOT MARRIED
IT MADE A MIX OF CRAZY PEOPLE
- WHO IS WALKING AT COMBINED STEPS - Boulevard Raspail
- You have to see them... - In the cafes
- On the counter... - Drinking frapps
COFFEES
FRAPPED COFFEE WITH STRAWS
- Applause - Thank you.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, I leave you with Miss Viviane.
Cabaret Music Whistling
Did you spot them both over there? Mother and daughter.
I'm going to go see them.
You join us. You talk with the mother and I, with the daughter.
- But who is the mother, who is the daughter?
You know what? I'm going to give them my special.
Like last time, at the little club of...
Charles ?
- Good evening. I was watching you from the stage.
- You light up the whole room. - Thank you.
- Do you say that every time? - No.
- Do you allow me? - Please.
Good evening, ladies.
I was watching you from the stage.
You light up the whole room.
All right.
- And a liar, too. - Only on special occasions.
- Is this me, the opportunity? Is this supposed to please me?
No, I am the big occasion.
- It's up to me to judge, if you allow me.
SO ?
What is the verdict?
SO...
laborious beginnings, but interesting repartee.
- Oh... - There is hope for the future.
- It's the sequel that I'm best at.
Ah OK.
Hmm?
So what?
No follow-up possible?
- I'll try to go and light up the stage.
Ah good ?
- Little laugh - Mmh mmh.
- You had her very young. I thought she was your sister.
She laughs.
"I have two loves" (Josephine Baker)
I have two loves
My country and Paris
By them always
My heart is delighted
- Where are you going, my son? - To Lille.
We're going to have a concert.
I write songs now.
- Songs? - Mmh.
That's good.
Do you know what the best song is?
"There is joy."
There is joy He hums.
Swallows, there is joy
- No one can do better. - You make me laugh.
Come on.
- See you soon, Dad. - Good luck.
"His Youth" (Charles Aznavour)
- I hope we'll be dealing with some admirers.
When we hold
In his hands
This wealth
- Being twenty years old - It's not the time, come on!
Tomorrows
- Full of promises - Oh no, cows.
- Come on, Mr. "Azbanour". We're going to sing.
When love leans over us
To offer us
His sleepless nights
When we see
Far ahead
Laugh at life
Embroidered with hope, rich with joy
And madness
You have to drink until you get drunk.
His youth
He speaks German.
- Are you Jewish? - Oh no, not at all.
Pull down your pants.
- Hurry up!
And never again
- You go.
Lost time
- Don't face us - Get out.
He passes
Often in vain
- There's no more bread. - We hold out our hands.
And we regret
It's too late
On his way, nothing stops him
We cannot keep forever
His youth
His youth
- Before we smile, we leave childhood behind
Before knowing, youth runs away
It seems so short that one is quite surprised.
That before understanding, we leave existence
When we hold
In his hands This wealth
To be twenty years old
Tomorrows full of promise
When love leans over us To offer us its sleepless nights
- When we see - When we see
- Far ahead - Far ahead
- Laugh at life - Laugh at life
- Embroidered with hope - Embroidered with hope
- Rich in joy - Rich in joy
And madness
You have to drink until you get drunk
His youth
Because every moment of our twenties
We are counted
And never again The time wasted
Don't face us
He passes
They had the Manouchian network.
Apparently they have already shot them.
I have to go.
Yes yes.
She sobs.
Quick, quick!
We can't stay here any longer, it's dangerous.
The Germans will find us.
Let's go to the hotel across the street.
Quick! We're going to hide in the hotel.
Vehicle approaching Door slamming
Inaudible words in German
- (In German) - Come on, quickly!
- Hurry up.
Aznavourian, first floor!
Let's go up, quickly!
- Sir! - Micheline?
- It's over! - What?
- We're free! - I'm coming.
- Come down! - Are you okay?
- Yes, it's okay! The Americans are here.
We are free!
Come on, come down!
Get down!
Come on!
Cries of joy
Micheline!
Joyful laughter
- I'm so happy to see you. - Me too.
Cries of joy
- Are we free? - Yes.
Long live freedom!
- Charles? He sighs.
She laughs.
It was great. Thank you very much.
Can you laugh about it?
- I can't wait until we have our house. - Charles, are you there?
- Ah, you're here too, Micheline. - Yes.
How are you, Charles?
- Yes. - You look tense.
Non.
Are you hungry?
Yes. Uh, no.
I'm going to cook.
Micheline laughs.
He laughs.
It's going to roll.
If you have 1,000 francs, that's great.
- Let me do it. Don't say anything. - You'll ruin everything.
- Shut up and smile. - Oh, artists!
We're going for three nights, huh?
I can offer you... 1,500.
Well no. No.
We are 3,000.
3 000 ?
Each ?
Of course.
By evening?
Mmh.
Wait, guys, 18,000 francs!
Well, that's it. It's...
This is what we usually take.
Well, it's not cheap.
But hey... Here's a little advance.
For now, there are only 1,000.
We will prepare you
your contracts, and then we sign
- from tomorrow. - Thank you.
Street noise
Attends.
Cry of joy
- We're going to drink, my friend. We're going to party.
Tonight, the best restaurant in Paris.
- Gladly. - Better yet: all this week
- we go to the best restaurants. - Tutututut.
Wait, tonight we're having fun.
But we will invest the rest.
- We're going to have our posters printed. - But no.
For once we have a little bit to spare, we have to make the most of it.
- But we'll enjoy it. But later, even better.
In the meantime, we need to make ourselves known.
He speaks Armenian. Advertising is important.
Horn honks
Welcome to all
at Paris Radio Diffusion, musical and live broadcast.
- Do you see who is there? - Charles Trenet.
And Edith Piaf.
And Edith Piaf!
- Roche and Aznavour, with Express Departure!
Applause
Ladies and Gentlemen.
"Express Departure" (Charles Aznavour)
ONE DAY IN MAY WHEN BOREDOM WEIGHED ON ME
TO LIVE MY LIFE LEAVING WHAT OPPRESSES ME
I LEFT EVERYTHING WITHOUT SORROW WITHOUT REGRESINCE TRAVEL SHAPES YOUTH
To the curious people, I answered...
"Destination unknown"
- I TOOK THE FIRST TRAIN THAT LEFT IN THE MORNING
BY CHANCE, THERE WAS A VERY NICE WOMAN ON THE TRAIN
HOW KINDLY DESTINY WATCHES OVER ME
SHE WAS JUST IN MY COMPARTMENTHE TRAIN WAS MAKING AN INFERNAL NOISE
ON THE WOODEN BENCH WE WERE RATHER UNHAPPY
AND WHEN I TOOK HIS HAND SPEAKING SOFTLY
FASTER THAN THE TRAIN WERE MY HEARTBEATS
In a charming, slightly mocking tone
In an instant, I took his heart
I suggested to him very gallantly:
Come with me to the dining car
- Gentlemen, congratulations. I liked it very much.
- Coming from you, Mr. Trenet, it is an honor.
- Do you know Raoul Breton, a great Parisian publisher?
- Of course. - We can't.
you miss, you have posters everywhere. I'm interested.
Come see me next week.
With pleasure, thank you. Monday morning?
Ah... Yes, Monday morning,
- That's good. - See you soon, Edith.
See you next time.
- It was an honor to receive you. - Come, come and see.
- Me? - Well yes, you.
Light hubbub
It was good. It moves a little compared to the others.
- Thank you very much. - What are you doing tonight?
There will be friends at my place. Do you want to come?
Yes. With pleasure.
My partner too?
- The partner? Oh well, bring him too.
- See you later. - See you later.
Jazz music
- There they are. They finally found it.
The little one sang well. And he wrote, too.
Give them a drink. Then pour me another, don't lose your touch.
Edith, gently anyway.
Oh, it's okay, honey.
He's afraid I'll turn into a drunk. He's hiding me.
- bottles. - Do you write music?
Words, especially.
And quite well, even.
His way of writing is interesting. Not like the others.
His voice is not bad.
A little broken. Looks like an American.
- Are you Jewish? - No, Armenian.
- What is it? - Whoa.
- Too long to explain. - Then don't bother looking.
Why black? In mourning?
- No. When it's dirty, it's less visible.
- Maybe your shirt is disgusting?
It could well be, yes.
- She laughs. - He's very good.
He even wears dirty shirts.
Are you like me, do you come from the street?
- Did you sing in the street? - And how!
Oh, there, I'm starting to like you.
- I had bought a bicycle to go to the musette ball.
- Oh yeah? Have you ever been to the Petit Balcon?
Sure. I prefer the Ball to Jo.
Are you dancing the 3-beat?
I want, yes.
Right side up, upside down?
Obviously.
- Upside down? - Yes.
Well, you bastard, we'll see about that.
Here, Michel, Henri, roll up the carpet for me.
Marguerite, at the piano. Plays a waltz.
We will see if Mr. Aznavour
knows how to dance the waltz backwards.
Help me up, you.
Edith laughs.
SO...
And... one, two, three.
Fake
Charles rit.
Edith laughs.
- It's a real one. - I return the compliment, ma'am.
- Call me Edith.
Okay, Edith.
- I'm going on tour with the Compagnons de la Chanson.
I'm giving you a chance.
You're going to do my curtain raiser.
- After the intermission, you will announce me. - Oh well, thank you.
But if I may dare,
we will be paid, or...?
- I offer you to go on tour and you ask for how much?
That's right. Sorry.
I have a family to support and I'm planning to get married.
- At your age and in this profession, we are single.
Am I married?
Alright.
- Train to Roubaix, the day after tomorrow, at 8:20 a.m.
Be on time. Don't jump on the bandwagon.
Thank you, Edith.
Hey!
Hey!
Non !
Train whistle
Shit !
Peter is going to kill me.
- Let me through, for God's sake!
- Excuse me. - You too?
Pierre laughs. Charles laughs.
- But no? - Look.
- Good Lord! They laugh.
Oh !
- We are puppets. - We laugh,
We laugh, but we just ruined everything.
Well, I'm going to go back to bed.
- A pretty blonde is waiting for me in my bed. - No.
We're not going to stay like this.
We go to the bus station.
Bridges destroyed, trains take ages.
We can arrive at the same time as her.
- Let's go. - Let's go, Alonso.
Jazz music
Edith!
Oh! Well, you're there?
We didn't jump on the bandwagon.
And they're being smart, too.
I can't wait to see what it's going to be like, with some zigotos.
- See you tonight. - See you tonight.
- We play at 8:00. Be there at 7:00. - We'll be there.
We will be there.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
one name. And in that name, the whole song.
Edith Piaf.
Applause and cheers
THANKS.
By Michel Emer, The Accordionist.
"The Accordionist" (Edith Piaf)
The girl of joy is beautiful
Around the corner, over there
She has a clientele
Who fills his stocking
When his job is done
She leaves in turn
Looking for a little dream
At a ball in the suburbs
Her man is an artist
He's a funny little guy
An accordionist
Who knows how to play java
She listens to java
But she doesn't dance it
She doesn't even look at the track
But his loving eyes
The nervous game follows
And the artist's long, dry fingers
It gets under his skin
From below, from above
She wants to sing It's physical
His whole being is tense.
His breath is suspended
She's a real music freak
The girl of joy is sad
Around the corner, over there
His accordionist
He left as a soldier
When he comes back from the war
They will take a house
She will be the cashier
And he will be the boss
How beautiful life will be!
They will be real pashas
And every night for her
He will play java
She listens to java
She hums quietly
She sees her accordionist again
And his loving eyes
The nervous game follows
And the artist's long, dry fingers
It gets under his skin
From below, from above
She feels like crying It's physical
His whole being is tense.
His breath is suspended
She's a real music freak
They laugh.
Oh, by the way, we're going to cut the tour short.
I got an offer for New York.
New York? The dream!
When are we leaving?
I'm leaving next Tuesday.
You, well... when you can afford your ticket.
Lively hubbub
Stop!
- I have to buy him some more clothes. Everything is too small.
We need to move. The Nazis are back.
- Mmh mmh. Children
- Seda, she's Roche's daughter. - Mmh mmh.
Mmh.
Charles? You're not listening to me.
- Ah, sorry, excuse me. I was thinking.
- Tell me. - When are you with us?
You've been on tour for months. You've barely seen your daughter.
I was glad it ended.
I thought you were happy to be home.
- I'm glad to be home and see you, finally!
I have the right to regret that the tour is over.
I've been waiting for this my whole life.
I'm doing this for us, so we're safe.
If my own wife doesn't understand this, what do I do?
- I put my career aside for Seda. - Oh, no!
Non.
I never asked you that.
You could have gone ahead. My parents would have taken care of it.
She needs parents.
- What the hell are you doing in New York? - I'm going to do my job there!
If I have to neglect everything around
to get there, I will.
You're constantly complaining!
- Never happy. - The world upside down!
You're the one who's never satisfied.
If only you were happy with us... Even if you are present, you are absent.
You're in your thoughts, your songs.
You're bored with us, Charles.
- Isn't this serious? - Why? Are you happy now?
Are you happy with what we've been doing since then?
Can you imagine the little American girls hanging around your neck?
- How can I get the tickets? My parents cut off my funding.
- And you have a wife and a daughter. - Trust me.
So, my children,
here it is.
It's the big day.
I am very proud that you are joining the Raoul Breton house.
I'm already telling everyone about you. I signed
amazing songwriters.
We're going to write for all the great singers.
- Have you read the contract? - YES.
- Did you see the advance? - Yes, thank you.
- Exactly, we too have taken a lead.
We've already written quite a few songs.
And regarding the deposit,
we would need a little more because...
We would like to talk to you about a project.
But dad, you put too much stuff in there.
- How are you, my son? - Let me help you.
- Were you going to the flea market like that? - It'll be fine.
- You're going to break your back. - Oh... Usually it's lighter.
How are you?
- It's okay. Pierre and I are going to America.
America?
- We're going to join Piaf in New York. - New York?
Do you remember when you were little, we wanted to live there?
But we are good here.
- No! What are you doing? - Take this.
- No, keep it! - I have what I need.
- It's your money. - I'm going to find a job.
- You're gonna need it over there. - It'll be okay.
All right ?
Aircraft engine
It's amazing to be here.
The country where everything is possible, Mr. Roche.
Great things are going to happen here.
America,
to us!
- (In English) - You don't have a visa?
Ouch.
I don't think we can get in. We need a visa.
- What do you mean? You don't speak English fluently?
- English, yes. But this is American.
We are talking about territorial administration.
This is very technical language, so let me do it.
Uh...
So... Pierre clears his throat.
What... what are we...
So what?
She sighs.
- Do you know Edith Piaf? - Immigration.
The Kid!
Following !
The Kid.
Dramatic music
Where are they taking us?
Light hubbub
Heavy breathing
What the hell are we doing here?
- How long are we going to stay? - I don't know.
We need to find some paper and a pen.
Let's take the opportunity to write.
- What are you talking about ?
Well done, Charles.
- What? - Your idea
to join Piaf without telling anyone. Thank you.
You're funny.
You're the one who bought the plane tickets.
- Didn't they tell you anything about the visa? - Yes,
but I preferred prison. We are fine.
Well no, they didn't tell me anything!
Well, we have to make a phone call.
- To whom? - I don't know. To our parents,
I don't know. We can't stay here.
Moan of disgust
You will catch diseases.
I shouldn't have listened to you. We can't afford it.
the return. You gave everything to your family.
Light hubbub
I already explained it to you, Pierre.
I'm sorry.
Okay,
Let's see if there are any young ladies. Little laugh
Dramatic music Light hubbub
- Mr. Charles Aznavourian and Mr. Pierre Roche.
- Himself.
Comments in English.
- Did you come here to kill the president?
No, no.
- We don't even know who it is. - Two musicians.
- What are you singing?
- Our own songs, but also translated American standards.
What songs?
Oh! I got that.
For example. (-Wow, that's good.)
For example...
"Look To The Rainbow".
- Sing it.
Three, four...
- Look... - Look...
LOOK TO THE RAINBOW
LOOK, LOOK...
LOOK AT THE RAINBOW
FOLLOW THE FELLOW WHO FOLLOWS A DREAM
FOLLOW YOUR FRIEND WHO PURSUES HIS DREAM
- Hats off. - Hats off to you.
PASSED
Not approaching
- What are you doing? - We'll find you.
It seems tenuous.
- You idiots, do you think I have time?
Thanks ... thing.
Peter clears his throat.
Good...
She sighs.
What are we going to do with you, my two idiots?
I heard you needed some sorrel.
We'll find you some. I won't let you down.
- I have an idea, but not in New York. - Where are we going to go?
Cabaret music
In Montreal.
We'll find you some tickets.
Cover yourself. It's freezing out there.
You will be greeted by Gustave Longtin.
I'll call him. He can't refuse me anything.
He has a very good location, the Latin Quarter,
who already has his customers.
It has to work there.
You will have the French and the Quebecers love the French.
With your French faces and your rhythmic songs,
they will love you.
He will find you a contract, an apartment...
I'll tell him to say that you are my protgs.
and you have a huge success in Paris. They won't check.
You will have the Quebec women at your feet.
Then you won't be in my way.
Here you go, guys. It's well deserved.
3 500.
Little happy laugh
Applause
- There, Edmond, sorry, but we can't play here.
Pardon ?
How do you play on a stage like that?
If you can call it a scene.
- It's not the stage that attracts people. It's the singer.
- Allow me, I learned my trade from Edith Piaf.
- She would never have set foot here. - Ah...
OK.
What would we do?
Works.
Lots of work.
- It's not a problem. You should think about it.
I would like to speak to my colleague.
So do this.
- There's nothing to think about, we're not coming here.
It's too small, ugly, dirty. It stinks.
We are very happy in the Latin Quarter.
Then you know who it is? Do you want to work for a mobster?
A mafioso, well anyway...
- So what difference does that make? - I double your salary.
- Trust me.
The decoration needs to be redone. It looks like an old dance hall.
Re-dress the walls, change the floor...
- The curtains aren't right either?
- No, I like them. - Oh yeah?
- I really like the color. We'll have to move them back.
We're going to install some slides in the back.
- If we do that, it will become too small for the stage.
Just lengthen it.
And above all... He stamps his foot.
raise it.
Little laughs
It's an investment.
- Believe me, you won't regret it. - Yes.
Light hubbub
- We're going to go. - Yes.
I'm counting on you. Come on.
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.
Thank you all for coming to the reopening of the Golden Pheasant.
To celebrate this,
welcome the french duo that everyone is talking about:
Roche and Aznavour.
Applause
Good evening, Montreal.
Here is a piece that will certainly warm your heart.
Three, four...
Upbeat music
HE WAS WEARING A TAUPE FELT HAHE SPOKEN THROUGH ONOMATOPOEIA
HE DRINK ICED COFFEE
With straws
- You have to see them... - In a caf
- On the counter... - Drinking frapps
COFFEES, FRAPPED COFFEES
WITH STRAWS
- Jocelyne. - Good morning, Charles.
- Are you okay? - Yes, and you?
- Is the bird awake? - Not for long. I'm running away.
See you later.
Camera Roll
- What are you doing ?
- Charles? - Shit, then!
- Your forehead doesn't fit in the frame. - You're a bitch. You're handsome.
New costume.
- Tell me, Jocelyne, there...
I've never met the same girl so many times. One month,
It's a record.
It's true that I like him.
- And you, where were you? - With Mariflore, the tall redhead.
Oh yes.
I've been around. I'm sick of little admirers.
I see myself sitting down with Jocelyne and building something.
And then there we have the ideal life.
We finally have everything we need.
What ?
"I see myself sitting down with Jocelyne." Pierre laughed.
Build something. Are we talking about Pierre Roche?
Hey oh.
Laugh. You can't understand.
You too, one day, will want to have a wife and a child.
That's a low blow.
But finally, Charles...
You're right.
I have to stop lying to myself.
And lie to him too.
Since we've been here, I've been telling myself that as soon as it works,
I'm bringing her with my daughter.
But I'm just pushing back the deadline.
- Hey. - It's nice of you to come with us.
- I wouldn't have let you go to the airport in a taxi.
How long will it take you to come back?
- Three weeks, maybe a month.
Ah, the future bride and groom!
- Wow! - Thanks.
- Don't mess around. Over there, you say yes, then you come back.
Everybody in the tank, we're going to be late.
Honk the horn
- Charles ! - Ah !
Dear !
- Dad. - My son.
I am happy.
And you, my darling, eh?
Make a patchik for dad. Make a patchik .
Kiss Little tender laughs
You learned how to dress yourself.
- Are you starting? - Well, yes.
Are you going to come back to live here?
- I don't know, we're fine there.
Aida, you could sing there. The Quebecers will love you.
- I told you it was bullshit.
We are so out of sync.
Between her here and the success in Montreal...
How? Success? What success?
- It works pretty well. - And that's enough for you,
to have your little success in a cabaret at the end of the world?
Are you thinking about what's next? Oh!
Honestly, my little stupid genius,
You have talent, but you don't know how to lead a career.
Listen to your big sister. This is what you're going to do.
To be successful, you have to have a good face.
If you want to sing about love, it's time to get your nose redone.
I know a specialist. He works miracles.
I'll give you the operation.
You will take your best handwriting and write three letters.
"From now on" (Charles Aznavour)
The first one, you will address it to the Golden Pheasant
to tell them you're not coming back.
This job takes place in Paris.
Edmond is going to kill us, he's waiting for us.
- Why bury yourself in Montreal? There are four poor places.
A French artist must first be successful in France.
It's happening in Paris.
You have to sing your songs in front of the French audience.
- From now on, we will not be seen together anymore.
From now on my heart will live under the rubble
Damn French people.
After,
you're going to write to the little girl to leave her.
You're not in love anymore.
Since when can you be successful while married?
- From now on, my voice will no longer say "I love you"
I will always be there, Micheline.
I'll find you a place to live.
Seda will also be able to continue living with my parents.
- I will be a shadow of myself
My hand from your hand separated
The 3rd letter, you will write it
to warn your little friend Pierre
that it's over, you stay here.
- Pierre just got married. He will never want to stay in Paris.
Fine, you don't need him.
A man,
a real one, leads a solo career.
- We will never know the same fear again
To see our happiness slip away
And besides, from now on
- Do you understand what that means? - Yes.
But I'm ready to start over, to work twice as hard.
I'm talking to you about me here!
For once, can we not talk about you?
Of your desires, of your ambitions?
You wrote to Edmond without warning.
- Do you really think he's going to keep me? - Sorry,
but I turned the question over in my mind.
I don't want it anymore.
I don't have to force myself.
Of course I thought of you.
It's hard to imagine what's next without you. Only, you're married.
Your life is over there.
It's a game changer.
I just know I want to write.
And to write my songs, I need the streams of Paris.
But you see, you again!
Your career, your songs!
You were often right, but here I think you are wrong.
We have everything we want in Montreal.
No, maybe not you, because mister is never satisfied.
But your ambitions will eventually make you lose everything.
Me, your wife, your daughter, everything!
It is thanks
That's how you got a big apartment and found your wife.
So yes, I have ambitions.
Yes, we don't have the same ones.
Do I have to apologize for this?
Pierre...
"I'm Walkin'" (Fats Domino)
- And the suitcase, am I going to carry it?
Sorry, Edith.
I'm sorry, I won't be able to come with you to Bordeaux.
Paradis Latin offers me to play. It's a great contract.
- Would you prefer Paradis Latin to be my curtain raiser?
- But no, that's not it at all... - I'm joking.
Go sing with your lame ass dancers. That'll be one less flop.
Huh, my little dumb genius?
She laughs.
- You know what? - No.
- The more I look at you, the more I prefer your old nose.
Oh yes ?
- (Laughing) - No.
"I hate Sundays" (Juliette Grco)
Oh...
This is my song.
I was the one who wrote to him.
- Is it ok? - Mmh.
Why didn't you offer it to me?
Yes, I did suggest it to you.
And what did I say?
- That she had nothing and that I could stick her wherever I thought.
- Did I say that? - Yes.
- That's weird, that's not my style. They laugh.
- Happiness is in the arms of a colored boy
Because he goes away and breaks her heart
Okay, we want the Mme!
Audience laughter
Hands him his ticket
He said to her, "Honey, I'm going to miss you."
But what is it... but what is it?
An everyday story
But what is it... but what is it?
Maybe the end of a love
Brouhaha
- Are you finished, Josephine? - Yes.
- Hi, Charles. - Hi, Franoise.
I'm in the car. Shall we have a drink?
Since when have you had a car?
- Come on, follow me.
- Wait for me.
Is that what your evenings are like when you leave the cabaret?
I can't believe you're living at Piaf's.
- Han! - Is it going well, my little genius?
Alright.
Josephine, Edith.
She is buff,
the chick. Little laugh
Gilbert, you probably already know Charles Aznavour.
That's Gilbert Bcaud, a good little author.
- Charles. - Nice to meet you, Gilbert.
HOW NOT TO LOSE YOUR HEAD
HOLDER BY BOLD ARMS
- Recently, I had a revelation. I wrote "On my life",
- where I talk about myself. - Is that the secret?
- I don't know, but it seems important to me to say "I" and "you".
When we say "you", it distances us.
We have to write every song as if it happened to us.
Even if it's not true. Gilbert laughed.
You have to be a singer-songwriter.
Piaf is a singer-songwriter.
Then, for the rest,
it's just work.
Put the right word in the right place.
Each word has its own rhythm.
Charles, I sang with Piaf.
- Well, there you go. Laughs
- I like her. She's my favorite.
- Are you little geniuses talking? - I said to him.
how much I love his work.
Ah well, that's a good author.
But he wants to sing, and on stage, it's not...
fun, huh? Edith laughs.
I'll take your two songs.
Little happy laugh
- Good. - I don't feel well.
My head is spinning.
I'm coming back.
Are you going to stay long?
What do parents say?
- Nothing yet. I haven't introduced him to them.
They will be happy. He is Armenian.
Georges Garvarentz.
He is an extraordinary composer.
He earns his living?
- He's gifted. - Gifted isn't enough.
Stop acting like a big brother.
I know you'll love it.
Okay, tell me what's wrong?
You look bad.
It's okay, I'm hanging in there.
I need to work more, I need to rehearse more.
- You're the driver for the other tyrant.
- Stop. - It's true.
I don't understand why you accept.
- It's not easy every day, but...
But I learn a lot from him.
Then it's Edith Piaf, after all.
You are Charles Aznavour.
What exactly are you afraid of?
That's not you, Charles.
Jezebel
This demon that burned my heart
This angel who dried my tears
It was me... It wasn't me, it was you
She laughs.
Inaudible remarks
Don't you think it's a little high for me?
No, that's exactly what's beautiful.
- That you have to push. - Yes?
Don't hesitate to attack it hard .
- Little laugh - Loud...
He gives directions in Italian,
my little genius?
Not easy to sing, but it'll be good.
She sighs. I already told you,
don't do the funny little song.
You should focus on your work as an author.
Aren't you tired of being a failure as the opening act? Or of singing
between two strippers? Move on.
- You said that if I were a man, a real one,
I had to come back to be successful in France.
- And you can very well be successful as an author.
You weren't talking about that.
You were talking about being a singer.
- Yes, but to be a singer you need a voice.
And your voice is veiled.
Don't bother me, let's get back to it.
"Jezebel" (Charles Aznavour)
She clears her throat.
Non.
I have to go.
I sing between two strippers.
- He's upset. Come on, we have work to do!
- I have work too. - What is it?
To try to be a singer, is that it?
Exactly, yes.
- Besides, I've been thinking about it for a while.
Of all that I have learned at your side,
If there is one thing I have understood,
It's just that only work pays.
It's time for me to get started.
To devote myself to my songs, to my singing career.
Because yes,
Whether you like it or not, I'm a singer.
And what I do for you, day, night,
It takes up all my time.
It's not possible anymore, Edith.
I can't do it anymore.
He sighs.
I stop.
- No lie, it feels weird to hear you say that.
It's what ?
Are you abandoning your big sister on the street?
You think you don't need me anymore?
I have no choice.
I have to think about myself now.
Well, that's to your credit.
It takes courage, I must say.
I don't like indecisive people. If you leave, you leave.
Then a lot of doors will close.
You might feel lonely if you're no longer under my wing.
Heavy breathing
Thank you for everything, Edith.
- Well, go away. I don't like goodbyes.
Jazz music Street hubbub
There is a knock.
I'm coming.
- Charles. - Raoul. How are you?
- According to people, she fired you because she didn't believe
- in your talent. - They say that?
And without it, you're put to death
- in the public square. - I'll show them.
There's a knock. Oh.
My new impresario.
You'll see, you'll like it.
- Hello, Charles. - Come in.
- No, Jean-Louis Marquet!
- I thought about it. What is Charles Aznavour?
He's a skinny guy, 1.64 meters tall, with a husky voice.
I can't do anything about my size.
I have to accept it to make her forget.
Then, my voice.
I won't be able to transform it, but I can work on it.
to increase my range a little. Believe me,
I do it every day.
And I know I'm sorely lacking
of culture.
To write, to respond to journalists, I have to read.
Raoul, give me a list of the great classics of literature.
We need to move up a gear.
"Everything is going away" (Charles Aznavour)
I want to make my own record.
My face and name on the cover.
Let it come out as soon as possible.
I've wasted too much time. Shall we start again?
Everything goes away, everything dies
I feel fear settling inside me
I can already hear the wind rising
To chase my dreams
Everything goes away, everything dies
But spring returns victorious
Arms full of dreams and tears
And dry our tears
And sow in our hearts
These grains of madness
Such is life
It's funny, though.
Okay, all the radios received it?
Yes yes.
- Is it reacting well? - Uh...
Not really. They don't really want to spend it right now.
There's that idiot Vital, the boss of RTL, who stole a song from you.
- What do you mean? - He's a film producer.
In his latest film he uses your song "Parce que".
Without asking permission, without paying fees.
- He's not bored. - It's a huge mistake.
professional, and good news for us.
He is not in a position to negotiate.
His film comes out in a week. The reels are ready to go.
I might as well tell you that we can impose whatever price we decide.
Jazz music
I think I have a better idea.
Muffled discussion
Charles ?
Charles !
Yes, I'm here.
You could work with Georges.
- Why not, we just have to talk to each other... Oh!
"On my life" (Charles Aznavour)
- Do you hear? - Is that you, Dad?
And how!
- Are you on the radio? - Yes.
Amazing !
They finally figured it out.
- The boss of RTL didn't have much choice.
Joyful laughter Applause
- (In Armenian) - Well done, my son. Well done!
Hey!
"You never know" (Charles Aznavour)
- You never know How love comes to lovers
How he does it or how he goes about it
To keep us in his nets
But suddenly it's wonderful
There are tears full of our joys
Caresses at our fingertips
And dreams in the depths of our eyes
You never know
But why seek to know?
No one has ever had this power We forget everything...
- Turn that off. It's horrible.
How so ?
I'm horrible.
I make unnecessary gestures.
I look everywhere like a fool.
Who sings with his hands in his pockets?
Suit too big. Hair doesn't fit.
- Don't ruin your first TV for a few criticisms.
Any criticism?
One speaks of my hoarse muezzin voice,
the other compares my stamp to a pepper mill...
Ah.
"A small-time crook, sized to his size.
"His caveman voice is not compensated by the beauty of the gesture."
- They're racists. - Charles, you're exaggerating.
Am I exaggerating?
Attends.
I'm exaggerating...
To be.
"This Armenian is not edible.
"An Armenian has a reputation for knowing how to count.
"Let him do accounting."
- Isn't that racism? - It's meanness.
This is stupidity.
But you're starting to get an audience.
I'm going to go see the public.
Jean-Louis,
You're going to reserve a large room in Paris for me.
We will invite everyone,
all the cream of the crop, the journalists...
Even them, there. Especially them.
But first, I will do a tour throughout France.
With ten musicians.
- We don't have the money to pay for a tour with an orchestra.
I will finance it with my own money.
- Calm down. For once you have a little side.
Don't put yourself on a tour that may not work.
And why wouldn't it work?
- Why? - Well...
Raoul ?
- It's a bit risky, he's not wrong. - Exactly!
We've already talked about it.
You have to take risks. Otherwise, you're dead.
You can take some without risking everything.
- It's exciting, but it's crazy. - Crazy?
But damn! Even you, you're leaving me?
- You don't believe in me? - NO, NO!
Yes! I will prove it to you all.
You, the public, the journalists...
All !
I'm going to put on a new show. And I'm going to do this tour.
I will convince every viewer
in every room. From now on,
I will write a song a day.
I will sing until my throat tears.
I'll show them that I'm not negligible.
They haven't heard the last of Aznavour.
He slams the door.
Upbeat music
He hums.
Upbeat music
Light applause
It's horrible, Jean-Louis. There's not a sound.
It's hell. (-It'll be okay! Stay focused.)
(Huh, Charles? Breathe.)
- It's terrible. (-But no, it's very good.)
Come on !
Dynamic music
- Shall I help you carry your suitcase? - No, that's fine. Thanks.
"On my life" (Charles Aznavour)
About my life
I swore to you one day
To love you until the last day of my life
And even now
I will keep my oath
Despite all the harm you have done to me
On my life, darling
I will love you
Light applause
I think I overestimated my strength.
I saw myself as too big.
The truth is that no one is waiting for me in the provinces.
- Then I lose a lot of money. - Really?
It's simple, I'm ruined.
I have to sell my car for posters.
- You still have Paris. Are the concerts next month full?
Paris ?
We took a week at the Alhambra. That the first night is full.
I better stop everything.
- No, wait, what are you talking about?
I've never heard you talk like that.
It will be okay, I'm sure.
We'll see.
- There you go. See you soon, sister. - Wait!
Parents gave me a letter for you.
It comes from an Arlette. Does that mean anything to you?
Mmh, it's been a long time.
- Read me the letter. - Yes.
"Cher Charles,
"This letter is not easy to write. I will be direct.
"You have a son.
"His name is Patrick.
He is eight years old.
"When I heard about it, I had just met someone in the provinces.
"I thought it would be better not to tell you about it.
"But I left this man, who became an alcoholic and violent
"towards me and Patrick.
"I have few resources.
"Patrick needs a father
Can I introduce him to you quickly?
At the bottom of the letter, she left a number.
- Charles... - That's a lot. I'll call you back.
Ticking of a clock
Light hubbub
Ticking of a clock
Intriguing music
"Nasal voice and lack of vocal power.
"His pretension to appear before an audience is inconceivable.
"What total unconsciousness."
Oh no, why are you reading this, Charles?
- And this: "We had the scoop on an apparition
"which brought us back to monstrous imagery, to the century of Quasimodo.
"How can you let a cripple sing?"
- A cripple... - Ignore all that. They're idiots.
Here we go.
We start in five minutes.
He opens and closes the door.
Dramatic music
Muffled hubbub
He sighs.
Tonight I live or I die.
Music of tension
"I saw myself already" (Charles Aznavour)
At 18, I left my province
Determined to seize life
Light heart and light baggage
I was certain I would conquer Paris
At the most chic tailor, I had it made
This blue suit was the latest fashion
The photos, the songs and the orchestrations
They got the better of my savings
I already saw myself at the top of the bill
Ten times bigger than anyone else, my name was spread
I already saw myself adored and rich
Signing my photos to the admirers who were jostling around
I was the greatest of the great fantasists
Making such a big hit that people were standing and cheering for me
I could already see myself searching through my list
The one who in the evening could hang around my neck by favor
My features have aged, of course, under my makeup.
But the voice is there, the gesture is precise and I have resilience.
My heart has grown a little bitter as I have gotten older.
But I have ideas, I know my job, I still believe in it.
Just under my feet to feel the scene
Seeing a seated audience in front of me makes my heart pound.
I didn't get any help, I was unlucky
But deep down I'm sure at least I have talent.
I've been wearing my blue suit for thirty years.
And my songs only make me laugh
I run the stamp, I go door to door
To survive, I do anything
I have only known easy successes
Night trains and soldier girls
The lousy fees, the suitcases to carry
Small furnished accommodation and meager meals
I already saw myself in the photograph
On the arm of a star in the winter in the snow, in the summer in the sun
I could already see myself telling my life story
Disillusioned air to beginners eager for advice
I opened quietly on opening nights
A thousand telegrams from this whole of Paris that scares us so much
And dying of stage fright in front of this audience
Entered the stage to cheers and spotlights
I tried everything to get out of the number
I sang about love, I did comedy and fantasy
If everything went wrong for me, if I'm in the shadows
It's not my fault but that of the public who didn't understand anything.
I was never given a chance
Others have succeeded with few votes and a lot of money.
I was too pure or too advanced.
But one day I will show them that I have talent.
Creaking of the folding seats
Tomorrow, we change jobs.
I know it, that sound of a folding seat.
- People are leaving. - Go and greet them anyway.
- What's the point? - Go ahead, Charles.
Light hubbub
Applause and cheers
I already saw myself at the top of the bill
HEALTH !
- Health to all! - And to all the radio bosses
that I met after the show and who all want to play it.
You're going to come in through the front door. You're going to be heard everywhere.
- What a show! What a beautiful idea, this staging.
- Thank you, Charles. - This is Charles Trenet.
Laughs
- I love it. - Look who's here.
Bouchard: I hate this journalist.
He put me to death several times.
Mr. Aznavour,
nothing to say, you amazed me.
Thank you so much.
Sorry for my previous post.
- I wasn't very gentle. - Really?
I never read the press.
Ah.
Have a glass of champagne.
It's for me.
It's my pleasure. I wish you a good evening.
Thank you very much. See you soon.
Little laughs
Very nice lesson in diplomacy.
- Hat. - It's strong. Come on, have some champagne.
a little, Charles Trenet.
I always said, the best song is "There's Joy".
Yes, but tonight,
My son has become a great artist. Huh, Charles?
Do you remember what I said?
Look where we came from and where we are today!
Light hubbub
- The little one is here. - Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
- Good evening. - Good evening.
Good evening, Arlette.
Very nice to meet you, Patrick. Really.
Did you like the show?
Yes, it was good.
Did your mom explain to you?
- Yes. I will live with you from time to time.
So.
Come, let me introduce you to your family.
Your grandfather, Mischa.
Hello, my son.
- Your grandmother, Knar.
And your big sister, Seda.
I have prepared your bed for you.
- That's a lot of people at once, huh?
- Are you going to the Armenian school? - It's your son, Charles.
It is a normal school with Armenian courses.
Is it difficult?
Jazz music
- Well, what are you doing here?
You're wasting your life.
- It's okay, it's okay. - "It's okay, it's okay"... It's not okay at all.
You look good behind that saucepan.
You should be in front of a concert piano,
in front of a packed house.
- What are you doing here? - We can't be in two places.
- Let me laugh! - Cut!
Okay, cut.
It was very good. We will do it again one more time.
Charles, could you be a little more blas?
- Mr. Truffaud, we have to change the coils. A quarter of an hour.
15 minute break.
- Mr. Aznavour? - Yes.
Can I have an autograph?
I have a pen.
- What is it for? - Celine.
Light hubbub
- Good morning, Charles. Always early.
- I have good news... - I will translate my texts, record
- my songs in Spanish and English. - Okay. There?
We have no choice.
Nothing beats 17 hours of work a day.
It's not wrong. I'll tell you
the good news.
We have passed the 300,000 album mark for "Je m'voyais dj".
Second good news:
after your record of 90 concerts at the Alhambra,
we will open for two weeks at the Olympia.
- I have new songs for you to listen to.
- Are you happy with it? - Very.
I think I found the formula.
- The Aznavour formula. - Ah.
- Shall I play them for you? - Uh... Well then, quickly.
Just one.
I have an appointment waiting for me.
In the little wood of Trousse Chemise
When the sea is grey and we are a little grey
In the little wood of Trousse Chemise
We do stupid things, remember us two
We were leaving for Trousse Chemise
Watched by the old ladies behind their shutters
We left with a flower in our ear
With two bottles of real muscadet
Come see the actors, see the musicians
See the magicians who arrive
The actors have set up their trestles
They set up their platform and held out the banners
The actors toured the suburbs
They gave the parade with great drumming
In front of the church, a caravan painted green
With the chairs of an open-air theater
And behind them, like a crazy procession
They drain the whole country
The actors
It's beautiful.
- And your appointment?
Ah, shit.
- Charles... - Yes?
- You should open the mail, especially this one.
You'll like it.
It's your copyright.
1 million ?
Are these old francs?
- No, new ones. He closes the door.
Brouhaha
Gentlemen magicians,
we will be able to get set up.
Michel ?
Blows
"Because you believe" (Charles Aznavour)
Because you believe
That you are my weakness
Tu me blesses
Hurt me
And you play with me
As with everything
And have
Of my life
And day and...
Stop ! Stop !
The strings.
That's not very fair.
Let's focus. Come on, let's go back.
From the start.
Because you believe
That... We stop.
It's me, sorry. Sorry.
We're going back.
The brass.
Can I have them more spiky, dynamic?
Are you going to do it for me at least once?
Let's start again.
Blows
"What's the Difference" (Dr. Dre)
Johnny Hallyday, Charles Aznavour.
- Nice to meet you. - Hello.
- Thank you for having me at your home. It's a pleasure.
It's beautiful here.
- You think so? - Yeah.
- Where are you from? - I grew up a little in Paris,
a little in Belgium, but especially in the street.
- That gives us something in common. - Really?
I heard you singing. Well done.
- Well done, you have real talent. - Thank you.
Few singers of your generation are interested in me, in rock.
or yy, as they say.
- They are afraid that their place will be taken.
So if we don't listen to what's happening, we're dead.
Sing without your rock'n'roll effects.
Use a soft voice, as if speaking to a woman.
Okay. That speaks to me.
I begin.
"Hold the night" (Johnny Hallyday)
Hold back the night
For both of us, until the end of the world
Hold back the night
For our hearts in its wandering race
- HOLD ME TIGHAGAINST YOUR BODY
IT IS NECESSARY THAT IN THE TIME OF MADNESS
THE GREAT LOVE
CROSS OUT THE DAY
AND MAKE US FORGET LIFE
REMEMBER...
- Lively hubbub at night
"Reach Out I'll Be There" (Four Tops)
- Are you coming to dance with us? - No, thank you.
- Little laugh - Well then,
Charles, are you being picky?
You don't like them?
- They are pretty, but I know why they are there.
- Oh, you're annoying. But you skipped half of the Cte d'Azur.
- He laughed. - Half? Only?
- Here are my Swedish friends. I'll introduce them to you.
Girls!
Come on, girls!
"She" (Charles Aznavour)
Charles, this is Essie.
And Ulla.
Ulla, is that it?
- Ulla. - Ulla.
Good evening, Charles.
- Glad to see you. - Thank you very much.
The beard in the mailbox.
- Do you speak Swedish? - No, not at all.
That's the only sentence. I don't know what it means.
That means...
"caught the beard in the mailbox."
In our country, "caught red-handed".
Good evening. Congratulations, Mr. Aznavour.
THANKS.
Thank you.
Do you know everyone?
- No, it's rather them who know me. They are fans.
- Fans? - Mmh.
Why fans?
Charles Aznavour, does that mean anything to you?
No, sorry.
I don't know French culture very well.
Don't be sorry.
Know that in French culture, when you are offered a haircut,
you have to accept it.
What do you do for a living?
- I'm a model. I take pictures. - I would have bet on it.
- You must travel a lot. - Yes.
Milan,
Paris, a bit like the "United States"...
So listen, Ulla,
the day I change to the "United States", I invite you.
I take care of everything: flight, accommodation...
- Everything. - Thank you, that's nice. But...
If that happens, I'll buy my own ticket.
Alright.
Du coup... The beard in the mailbox.
Little laughs
Caught red-handed, is that it?
Are we going to dance?
All right.
Barking
- Come and have breakfast. - No, thank you.
Not for now.
How are you at school, Patrick?
- With Patrick, it's hard to know. He doesn't talk.
- Tomorrow, we're having lunch with Frdric Dard. Are you coming?
- I can't. I'm recording six songs in Spanish.
- I hope you have time to eat.
A sandwich.
Mmh.
- Before, it was due to lack of money, now, of time.
Oh yes.
Who is talking to me? Charles or Aznavour?
Little laugh You will tell me
when my brother is available.
You're funny, sister.
Squeak Ah!
- Did you sleep well, my love? - Very well.
- I didn't hear you come down. - Hi, Ulla.
Good morning.
Soft music
That's pretty. What is it?
- We are working with Jacques Plante. I finally found the melody.
- Can you play it? - If you want.
"La Bohme" (Charles Aznavour)
I'm talking to you about a time
That those under twenty years old
Cannot know
Montmartre at that time
Hung her lilacs
Right under our windows
And if the humble garni
Which served as our nest
Didn't look like much
That's where we met
I who was crying famine
And you who posed naked
Bohemia
Bohemia
It meant
We are happy
Bohemia
Bohemia
We only ate every other day
In the nearby cafes
There were a few of us
Who were waiting for glory
And although miserable
With an empty stomach
We kept believing in it
And when some bistros
Against a good hot meal
We took a canvas
We recited verses
Grouped around the stove
Forgetting the winter
Bohemia
Bohemia
- I did well to give you a chance in this box.
You were so sure of yourself.
Little laugh
So pretentious.
So French.
- I'm the one who gave you your chance. - You see, that's exactly it.
They laugh.
He sings "La Bohme" in English.
- My parents moved there after they got married.
- So, Charles? - Mmh?
- When are you going to ask me to marry you?
- Oh me, marriage, children, I've given enough.
I think it's more for me.
Bohemia
Bohemia
He sings "La Bohme" in Spanish.
I'm just trying to understand you.
We're not going to bring that back up, damn it!
All right.
I'm going back to Sweden.
And if one day you want to see me again,
It's for the wedding.
Attention.
Are you sure about what you're doing?
She slams the door. The bohemian
Bohemia
He sings "La Bohme" in English.
Bohemia
Bohemia
It doesn't mean anything at all anymore
Cris
Applause and cheers
(In English)
- Charles Aznavour, the famous French singer,
performed for the first time at Carnegie Hall tonight.
French journalists were present
to witness his long-awaited New York debut.
- This is my first time in the United States
and I know that the audience was full of French people,
but I will come back to sing more in English,
because I dream of a big tour in the United States.
There is someone else for you.
- You see I'm busy. - He insists.
- Excuse me.
What is his name?
His name is Pierre Roche.
Oh, Pierre.
- You didn't tell me anything. - You don't like surprises?
Between.
Pierre Roche.
- My best friend. - Nice to meet you.
We have to go. Thanks again.
It was nothing.
Bye.
Hey, Frank?
I will sing here until I get the same salary as you.
- Little laugh - Good luck.
- Did you tell Frank Sinatra you were going to get the same salary?
- Mmh. - I missed you, Charles.
And then look at yourself!
Little happy laughs
I can't tease you about your nose anymore.
On the other hand, me...
- Yes, I know. - Really, there...
They laugh.
And you ?
Where are you?
I play the piano in a hotel.
Customers don't listen to me. I don't have much pressure.
I am happy. Thanks to my son, I have started composing again.
- What do you mean? - Whatever happens, every morning,
I'm with him at breakfast.
I ask him to tell me about his dreams
- and then, it inspires melodies. - Oh yeah?
And you ?
- Me? - Are you happy?
Yes.
- You're good there. You have everything you want.
Light hubbub
Yes.
Yeah.
Still not satisfied, huh?
And women?
I almost experienced true love.
- What do you mean? - She wanted to get married, I didn't.
- She's gone. - Damn.
Ulla.
She is Swedish, beautiful, refined.
And then it's my reverse mirror.
When she is ice, I am fire.
You see, you still talk about it in the present tense.
What are you waiting for?
"Formidable" (Charles Aznavour)
You are the one for me, for me, for me
Formidable
You are my love very, very, very
True
And I wish I could finally tell you one day
Write it to you
In the language of Shakespeare
My daisy, daisy, daisy
Desirable
I am unhappy to have so few words
To offer you as gifts
Darling I love you, love you,
Darling, I want you
And that's about it.
You are the one for me, for me
For me, formidable
Dad,
are you going to have breakfast with us?
Yes, yes. Oh, it smells good in here.
Shall I give you some jam?
No, I don't like jam.
Ah.
Tell me, Katia, what beautiful thing did you dream about?
- I dreamed about Mischa. In the garden, there was a dog
who wanted to catch us.
And Mischa, he was crying.
- Babillage - Mother.
Little laugh
That's very good.
- Will you be there this weekend? - In the morning.
And tonight?
Tonight I'm not here. I'm working.
"Time" (Charles Aznavour)
Let me guide your steps in life
Give me the chance to be loved
Come like a child into the hollow of my shoulder
Let me take the role of making you forget
The time that goes
The time that sleeps
Time without joys
The time of wonders
The time of a day
Time of a second
Time is running out
Or the one who scolds
Time, time
Time and nothing else
Yours, mine The one we want ours
Time, time
Time and nothing else
Yours, mine
The one we want ours
Time passed
The one who will be born
Time to love
And disappear
The time of tears
Lucky time
We knock and enter.
Oh, Patrick.
Hi, Dad.
- Come here, big guy. Jean-Louis told me you were here.
You should have warned me.
We haven't seen you in weeks.
I know.
- What's going on?
Nothing. Nothing, nothing.
And congratulations for tonight. It was very good.
Oh no. That wasn't good at all.
Let's talk about something else.
- Three weeks of absence. - Yes, sorry.
- Tell me. - I didn't want to go out.
I wasn't in very good shape.
But it's getting better.
(It's getting better.)
And this new apartment, is it good?
Don't you feel too lonely?
No not at all.
And the apartment is perfect.
Thank you, it's a nice gift.
- Don't thank me. It's completely normal.
You are my son.
If you need anything else...
Non.
The plan?
- Did you get it? - Yes. Yes.
He's handsome, huh?
Little happy laugh
We knock and then we enter.
- The guy from the Parisian would like to see you. - I'm coming.
Above all, don't hesitate.
I want you to lack nothing.
I have everything I need.
Charles closes the door.
"Under the Parisian Sky" (Edith Piaf)
- Under the sky of Paris A song flies away
Mmh, mmh
She was born today
In the heart of a boy
Brouhaha
One last one.
Ladies and gentlemen, sorry, we have to go.
Well done, Charles! It was magnificent.
It was very good tonight.
- No. I know when I've been good and when I've not been good.
Let's go have a drink.
A seated philosopher
Two musicians
Some onlookers
Then people by the thousands
Brouhaha
- Take me where you would have gone.
- I mostly go to places, bars...
Bars d'homo ?
- It's not a bad word. - Gay bars.
THANKS.
- Where is Patrick? - He's already gone.
Already? He didn't even say goodbye.
Thank you so much.
He falls asleep at night
The tramps and the beggars
Under the Parisian sky
The birds of the Good Lord
Mmh, mmh
Come from all over the world
To chat among themselves
Rhythmic music Brouhaha
- Well done, Jacky. That was very moving. - Thank you.
- It's a very personal interpretation.
- I liked it. - It touches me.
I've sung in clubs before where I've been insulted.
I've heard it all, you know.
Folle, tarlouze,
dirty faggot, obviously.
- I know insults well too. - Really?
What did we tell you? He laughed.
Oh, if you only knew...
Rom,
naboth,
foreigner,
dirty Jew...
- But you're not Jewish, right? - No.
At least you're gay.
- Yes, yes. They laugh.
Who's gonna sing this?
Me.
- You say "I" in the song. - Yes.
- Little laugh - So what?
Are you going to explain to people?
Make an announcement? They won't understand anything.
- Of course not, we're not going to make an announcement before.
Don't think the public is stupid.
I'll sing it as is.
I will stand like you.
"As they say" (Charles Aznavour)
I live alone with my mom
In a very old apartment
Sarasate Street
I have to keep me company
One turtle, two canaries
And a pussy
To let mom rest
Very often I go to the market
And the kitchen
I tidy up, I wash, I dry
Occasionally I also sting
To the machine
I'm not afraid of work
I'm a bit of a decorator
A bit of a stylist
But my real job
It's night
That I exercise it in disguise
I am an artist
I have a very special number
Who ends up completely naked
After striptease
And in the room I see that
The males can't believe their eyes
I am a homo
As they say
So, we show up unannounced?
Heavy breathing
What's going on?
Charles...
Is it the parents?
Aida?
Aida? She's sobbing.
Speak.
This is Patrick.
And what?
We found him like that at his home.
He's dead, Charles. I'm sorry.
Armenian lyrics
I'm going to go there.
- You're not coming with us to your parents' house?
I have to go to the Olympia. I'm playing.
Even tonight?
Bells
He sobs.
He sniffs.
Muffled cheers
Cheers
Barking
- Are you okay, brother? - Yes.
- T'es sr? - Mmh.
It's okay, yes. I...
I was writing a song.
She sniffs.
You can tell me if it's not okay.
I'm doing very well. Well, you know, I...
I was focused on a text.
- Why do you lock yourself away all day to write?
There is no rush to release a new album.
You don't need any new money coming in.
- We have to maintain everyone's standard of living.
Charles...
you're at the top.
You can take your time.
After what happened...
She sighs. Maybe you can calm things down a bit,
enjoy the children.
Charles, you just lost your son.
Talk to me.
She sniffles. You can tell me you're sad.
She sighs.
First of all, I don't think I'm at the top.
And I thought about it.
I will ask Jean-Louis to rent
the most beautiful room
in every capital of every major country.
She sobs.
I need to travel.
I need to see people.
"Take me" (Charles Aznavour)
All right.
This is a very good idea.
In case you don't know my name,
I had it written here.
Towards the docks where the weight and the boredom
They bend my back
They arrive with heavy stomachs
Fruit boats
They come from the ends of the earth
Bringing with them wandering ideas
With reflections of blue skies
Of mirages
Trailing a peppery scent From unknown countries
And eternal summers Where we live almost naked
On the beaches
I who have not known all my life
Than the northern sky
I would like to wash away this gray
Turning around
Take me to the ends of the earth
Take me to wonderland
It seems to me that misery
Would be less painful in the sun
In the bars at dusk
With the sailors
When we talk about girls and love
A glass in hand
I lose track of things And suddenly my thoughts
Picks me up and drops me off A wonderful summer
On the strike
Where I see love stretching out its arms like a madman
Runs to meet me and hangs on my neck
From my dream
When the bars close, the sailors
Join their side
I still dream until morning
Standing on the harbor
- (In English)- You love being on tour,
- So? - I love it. It's my whole life.
I sing all over the world...
but it is a permanent challenge.
Show business is magic. You never know.
why it works or not.
And I want to see if the magic will work again.
- Thank you for being with us this evening. - With pleasure.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
thunderous applause for Mr. Charles Aznavour.
Applause
Well done, you were perfect.
THANKS.
- I'm leaving, I'm exhausted. - The driver is waiting for you.
I got the American production, and it's good.
You'll have the same cachet as Sinatra.
Non ?
Oh my gosh...
Well done, Charles.
Dramatic music
- Excuse me ?
Can you stop here?
I have...
- I need to walk. - Yes, of course.
- I am received like a king here by the public, the media...
This is awesome.
Why are you telling me this in that tone?
I don't know well. I...
I feel...
bizarre.
I don't know if I want to laugh or cry.
I think back to the parents,
to Patrick.
Pierre, Edith...
Do you remember Dad's phrase?
Naked ourh nk ourh eguank.
Look where we came from and look where we are.
Well look where you are.
You've achieved all your goals, that's it.
- Maybe that's the problem.
I worked so hard to get here.
And now I don't know what I'm going to do.
I'm not used to this.
Aida sighs.
Hey, but Charles, it's...
This is where I tell you that you need to slow down,
that you take time for yourself, but...
we know what you're going to say to me.
I would like that.
But if I stop, I die.
Charles ?
He sniffs.
Charles, are you there?
Okay, it'll be fine.
I will call you back.
- Mmh? - Okay.
It'll be OK.
He sighs.
Little laugh
"Yesterday again" (Charles Aznavour)
Yesterday I was twenty years old again
I was caressing time
And played with life
How we play love
And I lived at night
Not counting my days
Who fled in time
I have made so many plans that have remained in the air.
I had so many hopes that flew away
That I remain lost not knowing where to go
Eyes searching the sky, but hearts buried in the ground
Yesterday I was twenty years old again
I was wasting time
Thinking to stop it
And to hold him back, even to get ahead of him
I just ran
And I ran out of breath
Ignoring the past, conjugating in the future
I preceded any conversation with myself.
And gave my opinion that I wanted the right one
To casually criticize the world
Yesterday again...
- A legend of French song has just passed away.
Charles Aznavour died at the age of 94.
Until the end, he wrote and sang on stage
in France and around the world.
With 180 million records sold, he leaves
behind him a considerable work.
He, the son of refugees
has become the symbol of French culture
and even the image of France in the world.
- And I wasted my life and my young years
Of the best and the worst
Throwing away the best
I froze my smiles
And I froze my tears
Where are they now?
Now
My twenties?
"My troubles" (Charles Aznavour)
I worked for years
Without respite
Day and night
To succeed
Yes, to climb
Oh yes, the summit
While forgetting
Often in
My race against time
My friends
My loves
My troubles
I ran with all my might
Thirsty
Obstinate
Towards the horizon
The illusion
Towards the abstract
By sacrificing
It's sad
I blame myself for it now.
My friends
My loves
My troubles
"La Mamma" (Charles Aznavour)
They came They are all here
As soon as they heard this cry
She's going to die, mamma
They came They are all here
Even those from southern Italy
There's even Giorgio, the cursed son
With arms full of presents
All the children play in silence
Around the bed or on the tile
But their games don't matter
It's a bit like their last gifts.
To the mother
There is so much love, so many memories
Around you, mamma
There are so many tears and smiles
Through you, the mamma
Than ever
Never
Never
You will not leave us
"No, I haven't forgotten anything" (Charles Aznavour)
I would never have believed
That we would meet
Chance is curious
He provokes things
And destiny in a hurry
A moment strikes a pose
No, I didn't forget anything.
I smile in spite of myself
Just looking at you
If the months, the years
Often mark beings
You haven't changed.
Hairstyle maybe
No, I didn't forget anything.
Nothing forgotten
"Old-fashioned Pleasures" (Charles Aznavour)
In the familiar noise of the fashion box
With psychedelic lights and curious decorum
We discover sitting on uncomfortable chairs
The latest pop records pushed to the max
That's where we met among those of our age.
You, dressed as an Indian , and me, in a Mao collar
We have been coming back since then as if on a pilgrimage
Dancing in the knife-cut smoke
Come, let's discover, you and me
Old-fashioned pleasures
Your heart against my heart
Despite the crazy rhythms
I want to feel my body embraced by your body
Let's dance cheek to cheek
Let's dance cheek to cheek