The Chorus
Film Review

THE CHORUS is a well-meaning film of high ideals, for which it should be complemented. It aims to teach all of us that in whatever walk of life we find ourselves, we can and should help each other by offering kindness and compassion.

To some extent the film is successful in achieving this, however, while the film has ‘heart’ it unfortunately lacks a coherent structure and therefore all too frequently falls into sentimentality. A great shame as all the elements are there to produce a real gem rather than what turns out to be yet another in a long line of heart warming but cliché ridden films of European cinema looking to trade on the success of classics such as Jean de Florette and Il Postino.

The failings arise mainly in the script and it’s a shame that first time writer/director Christophe Barratier wasn’t pushed harder to write a couple more drafts. Even so, Barratier just about gets away with it thanks to a few special contributions: an extraordinary collection of young singers and actors lead by the 12 year old soprano soloist Jean-Baptiste Maunier who possesses a haunting voice that carries the film almost entirely on it’s own. A beautiful and surprisingly unpretentious score by Bruno Coulais, some original choral compositions from Barriatier himself and excellent performances, most notably from Gerard Jugnot who plays the new supervisor, Clement Mathieu, with just the required dose of sensitivity and vulnerability that enable us to believe in the transformational power of his music.

The cynics amongst you should probably avoid it, but for those of you ready to forgive a first time director a little over indulgence and open your hearts to the spirit of his film you’ll probably love it. (Put another way: Girls, take your mum and give her a night out. Guys, stay at home and watch the footie.)

Martin Skellern