by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who doesn’t love a good music biopic? There is a long, storied history of musicians getting the big screen treatment for their life stories. We have The Buddy Holly Story and La Bamba that both made an impact a decade tago at this point. Bohemian Rhapsody (despite some strong opinions that do not approve) did get nominated for Best Picture. This genre of film soared in the ’00s with Ray and Walk the Line. But many of them take “based on a true story” perspective and run with it. One such film that makes things more inspired by than a retelling is Aline.
Who gets the big screen treatment with this new biopic? Celine Dion. The world-renowned Canadian vocalist has her life story inspired by the tale of Aline Dieu (they really hid that one, didn’t they?). Writer-director-star Valerie Lemercier brings Dion’s life to the big screen within the story of Aline. Starting life as the youngest of 14, Aline rises to the top of the musical world and falls for her much older manager and has a family along the way. What needs to be known going in is this is some standard biopic storytelling as its quick runs through years of life in a clip.
What is Lemercier able to accomplish with her screenplay for Aline’s story? The film unfortunately skates over a lot of material and even leaves all of their children as characters with no characterization. Aline and her husband Guy-Claude (Sylvain Marcel) do get to shine throughout the film. as they have an endearing connection (even if it is uncomfortable to process when Aline is real young). Aline has plenty of depth and we learn so much about her contributions to cinema. What does standout in the script is the great sense of humor and charm that the whole group of characters get to share. There are even a few emotional beats that deliver for the audience.
But what about her work behind the camera? This film does not feel like it has a huge budget, but it is able to utilize some smart filmmaking to make it feel big. All the performance scenes are high-energy and capture the music of Dion in an impactful way. I listened to her greatest hits along the whole 50-minute drive that I had to get home. There are big concert scenes that are shot just right with enough manipulation of shadows to give it both an intimate and grandiose feel at the same time. The film is over two hours long, but breezes by with a good energy, incorporating some clever edits to mark time passages. It has an overall odd and quirky feel to it which benefits that experience. Without a unique story, the film finds other ways to feel unique and different.
Does this crew of performers match the rest of the work on the film? Lemercier gives a powerful, endearing, and confident performance as Aline who is a quality embodiment of Dion. She is funny and strong, while shifting gears to a more intimate and emotional presence when the film calls for it. Marcel brings a quieter charisma to the screen as Aline’s much older lover, turned husband. But there are a few supporting actors who almost steal the show, including Danielle Fichaud, who is an absolute delight as the forceful and loving mother of Aline. Little shoutout to Jean-Noel Broute, who is great as the long-standing make-up artist of Aline. They have a sweet and genuine connection on screen.
Is Aline the musical biopic that the audience can use right now? The story beats are quick and familiar (also skimming over a lot due to its breakneck pace), but does that doom the experience? Absolutely not. The actors and the general feel to the film make it an enjoyable experience, nonetheless.
Grade: 7/10
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