Susan Granger’s review of “The Triplets of Belleville” (Sony Pictures Classics)
If “Finding Nemo” has any competition for the upcoming Best Animated Film Oscar, it will be from Gallic writer/director Sylvain Chomet’s distinctive, eye-popping cartoon which is so bizarre, satirical and imaginative that it almost defies description. Set in what looks like the 1950s, the story revolves around a young boy whose only companions are his devoted grandmother, Madame Souza, and faithful dog Bruno. They live in a tall house on a hill next to the elevated train tracks outside of Paris. As years pass, encouraged by his grandmother’s persistent tooting on a whistle, this lonely child pedals his way to becoming a bicycle champion. And while he’s competing in the grueling Tour de France, he’s kidnapped. As granny and the dog search, the cyclist’s trail leads them to the megalopolis of Belleville, where they meet the titular tenderhearted trio, who warble like daft, elderly Andrews Sisters. These eccentric ladies befriend Madame Souza and Bruno, inviting them to their home to dine on frogs salvaged from a nearby swamp, as they plot to foil what turns out to be the evil “French Mafia.” Evoking memories of early silent films, there is – basically – no dialogue. According to the press notes, 40 year-old artist Sylvain Chomet drew inspiration from “Tintin” comic books, the work of British animator Nick Park and actor-director Jacques Tati. Utilizing that as a base and working in Canada, Chomet gently parodies Franco-American stereotypes and caricatures cultural icons, including fabled exports like Josephine Baker and Django Reinhardt. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “The Triplets of Belleville” is an amusing, audacious 9. It’s a surreal French fantasia for animation fans but – use caution – it’s adult and not meant for children.
