The Triplets of Belleville is a 2003 animated feature written and directed by Sylvain Chomet. Although using the voices of Michèle Caucheteux, Jean-Claude Donda, Michel Robin and Monica Viegas, there’s little dialogue. Mostly, the story moves through song and pantomime. An international co-production between companies in France, Britain, Belgium and Canada, this movie won praise for its unique (somewhat retro) animation style.

It’s a 1930s-style cartoon parody featuring the singing triplets of the title, Violette, Blanche and Rose, with names inspired by the French flag’s colors. There are caricatures of Glenn Gould, Josephine Baker, Charles de Gaulle, Oscar Levant, Fred Astaire and others.

The story focuses on Madame Souza, an elderly Portuguese emigrant woman raising a grandson, Champion. She buys him a tricycle, leading him to such excellence as a cyclist that he enters the Tour de France. Then he and two other riders are kidnapped and taken to the bustling metropolis of Belleville (Beautiful City).

Culture Club Gallery
Central, Hong Kong (www.cultureclub.com.hk)

(July 22, 2009)




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