PIAF: HER STORY, HER SONGS Tears flowed down my eyes through at least half of Piaf: Her Story, Her Songs, a documentary about the famous French chanteuse. Not that it is a particularly sad film. It's just that Edith Piaf's life, expressed mostly in her songs, is full of the passion that stirs all kinds of emotions. French singer Raquel Bitton feels an equal passion for Piaf. Bitton's show of the same name as the film was critically acclaimed internationally. More than just singing Piaf's songs, though she emulates her style and voice, Bitton becomes a storyteller, weaving that inseparable tapestry of Piaf's songs with her life. Bitton casts a moving figure in her little black dress and short hair.
"Piaf..Her story..Her songs" is an astonishing triumph. Bitton's voice is powerful and emotional. The presentation is exquisite. BITTON is superb in sight and song. I could listen to her combined English/French renditions for hours, not minutes. Her intensity and authenticity are utterly overwhelming. She loves to sing, she loves the songs she has selected and loves the crowd that shares her delight in the songs she does so brilliantly. One wishes along the way to come up for air, to shout and clap and whistle in tribute to the glorious music and to the captivating BITTON." And to see on film those people that had known Piaf,been her lovers,composers,friends talk about her over food and wine was a tour de force. This is truly one of a kind film,never to be duplicated,it beats having an actress portray Piaf and lip-synch to her original recordings. Raquel Bitton is quite extraordinary,she channels Piaf vocally and spiritually like no one will ever achieve.
"Piaf..Her story..Her songs" is an astonishing triumph. Bitton's voice is powerful and emotional. The presentation is exquisite. BITTON is superb in sight and song. I could listen to her combined English/French renditions for hours, not minutes. Her intensity and authenticity are utterly overwhelming. She loves to sing, she loves the songs she has selected and loves the crowd that shares her delight in the songs she does so brilliantly. One wishes along the way to come up for air, to shout and clap and whistle in tribute to the glorious music and to the captivating BITTON." And to see on film those people that had known Piaf,been her lovers,composers,friends talk about her over food and wine was a tour de force. This is truly one of a kind film,never to be duplicated,it beats having an actress portray Piaf and lip-synch to her original recordings. Raquel Bitton is quite extraordinary,she channels Piaf vocally and spiritually like no one will ever achieve.