La Vie en Rose (2007)

The life of French chanteuse Edith Piaf (Cotillard) had it all: grim childhood, adoring fame, fall into addiction. But La Vie en Rose shakes up the musical-bio clichés by avoiding one narrative thread, instead offering almost dreamlike glimpses into Piaf's tragic existence and tremendous talent. The results don't always mesh — side characters like Depardieu's nightclub owner aimlessly drift in and out — but the film gets a boost from Cotillard's breathtaking performance. EXTRAS A quickie doc takes time to talk makeup; we'd rather hear more about its leading lady. B+