A Cherished Track Discovered Last Summer

This track holds a special memory for me. I discovered it online last summer while on a tour of Hokkaido with DJ Tatsuo Sunaga and two others, listening in the car on my notebook with a data connection. Its musical brilliance led me to acquire the original 7-inch record later.

'Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life,' a Biographical Film About France's Ultimate Dandy, Serge Gainsbourg

In our topic segment, we focused on the biographical film 'Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life,' which highlights the immense talent and dazzling romantic life of Serge Gainsbourg, an artist who passed away 20 years ago this year.
We explored the film, which delves into the scandalous romantic entanglements of a charismatic icon.
I found it to be a uniquely French production, blending the humor and subtle cynicism of a comic artist with the flair of a musical.
Having recently met Jane Birkin during her visit to Japan for an event, I found the film particularly moving.

©2010 ONE WORLD FILMS-STUDIO37-UNIVERSAL PICTURES INTERNATIONAL FRANCE - FRANCE 2 CINEMA - LILOU FILMS - XILAM FILMS

Story
Paris, France, under Nazi occupation, 1941.—Amidst the somber atmosphere of the era, Lucien Ginsburg (later Serge Gainsbourg), born to Jewish parents, found himself weary of the strict musical lessons from his pianist father, preferring cigarettes and engaging with adults as an equal—a rather peculiar boy. His greatest asset, however, was his artistic talent.
As an adult, Lucien worked as a bar pianist while attending art school. There, he met the lover of Salvador Dalí and spent a night with her. This marked the beginning of his dazzling romantic life. Afterward, Lucien abandoned painting to pursue a career in music. Following his major debut with 'Le Poinçonneur des Lilas,' Gainsbourg rapidly ascended to stardom.
He nurtured the talents of artists like France Gall, Brigitte Bardot, Juliette Gréco, Jane Birkin, and Vanessa Paradis. Despite not being conventionally handsome, his unique brand of dandyism captivated numerous women, making him France's ultimate charmer. His unconventional and sensational life, and his legend that remains vibrant to this day, are brought back to the screen, enhanced by his chansons, jazz, and French pop.—This is the directorial debut of Joann Sfar, a French comic artist.

'Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life'
Original Title: GAINSBOURG (Vie héroïque)
Release Date: Saturday, May 21
Now showing nationwide at Bunkamura Le Cinema, Shinjuku Wald 9, and other theaters.
Distribution: Clockwork Arts
http://www.gainsbourg-movie.jp