my 2 cents

Wow. I saw this film months ago and I kept meaning to write it up, but couldn't because it was so dark and disturbed me so profoundly and yet. And yet . . .

Here's the thing. I feel like everyone should make a point to see this film if for no other reason than that it is like "Run Lola Run" (which I loved, btw) in that is is markedly different and definitively original. To my way of thinking, it is essential to see and experience original art as that, and that alone, opens the mind. And make no mistake about it, The Triplets of Belleville is art.

But, being the utter wuss that I am, its darkness (the frogs! the frogs! my god the frogs!) touched me and repulsed me out to the very, very core with its truths. See, I don't want to see the world that way. I know it's true-- I just don't want to see it. And anyone who wants to tell me it is all about love-- that indefatigable, unbreakable, unstoppable grandmama's love-- can do that. I won't disagree.

It's just that the message of love is not what got under my skin and stays with me -- and you had better believe this film has stayed with me.

What I loved most were the triplets themselves. And their music. They just blew me away. That and the animation which is simply beyond my squirrelly scribbles to even attempt to quantify. Let me just say, the animation was beyond the pale.

So, do I recommend it? Hmmm. I think I would just say I couldn't be friends if you haven't made a point to see it.

updated: August 25, 2004

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