The Triplets of Belleville (Sylvain Chomet, 2003)


What's it about? When her cyclist grandson is kidnapped during the Tour de France, Madame Souza and her obese dog Bruno head off to rescue him, teaming up with a very odd trio of musicians along the way.

Is it any good? A fabulously surreal animation, bringing to mind any number of influences but still managing to be rather unique in itself, particularly in some weird, but delightful details, such as Souza’s stacked heel, the henchmen’s square shoulders, the exaggerated cyclist body shapes and the dynamited frogs. Plus the best doggy dream since Bouncer’s in Neighbours.

Anything else I should know? With hardly any dialogue, the film pays tribute to the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Jacques Tati, whilst the snappy jazz soundtrack is influenced by the likes of Django Reinhardt and various other performers from the 20s/30s. Look out for the little homages and caricatures of these and others throughout.

What does the Fonz think? Wonderfully eccentric - give it a go.





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