Who Sings in Umbrellas of Cherbourg?

“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is a 1964 musical romantic drama film directed by Jacques Demy. What makes this film unique is that all dialogue, including casual conversation, is sung as recitative, resembling operas and stage musicals. The film garnered critical acclaim and went on to win the Palme d’Or at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival.

Film Details

In “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” the concept of having all dialogue sung adds a distinctive element to the film. This approach blurs the boundaries between spoken dialogue and musical numbers, creating a seamless integration of music and storytelling. The musical composition and score for the film were crafted by Michel Legrand, a renowned French composer and jazz pianist. Legrand’s music enhances the emotional impact of the story and contributes to the film’s overall charm and beauty. It is worth noting that the film’s innovative approach to storytelling and its exceptional musical elements played a significant role in its recognition, including the prestigious Palme d’Or win at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival.

Singers in the Film

In “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” the casting decision was made to use actors who were not trained singers. To ensure that the musical numbers were executed flawlessly, most of the actors’ voices were dubbed and lipsynced by professional singers.

The following is a list of the main characters and the singers who provided their dubbed voices:

• Danielle Licari: Voice of Geneviève Émery
• José Bartel: Voice of Guy Foucher
• Christiane Legrand: Voice of Madame Émery
• Georges Blaness: Voice of Roland Cassard
• Claudine Meunier: Voice of Madeleine
• Claire Leclerc: Voice of Aunt Élise
• Michel Legrand: Voice of Jean

These talented singers brought life to the characters through their exceptional vocal performances, enabling the film to captivate audiences with its melodic storytelling.

Conclusion

“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” stands out as an innovative and groundbreaking musical film. Its unique approach of having all dialogue sung creates a seamless blend of music and storytelling. The talented singers who provided the dubbed voices for the main characters played a crucial role in bringing the film to life. Their contributions added depth and emotion to the characters, enriching the overall cinematic experience. The film’s critical acclaim, including its Palme d’Or win at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival, attests to its artistic and musical brilliance.

Sources:

1. Wikipedia contributors. (2021, December 24). The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved December 28, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Umbrellas_of_Cherbourg
2. SecondHandSongs contributors. (n.d.). Les parapluies de Cherbourg. In SecondHandSongs. Retrieved December 28, 2023, from https://secondhandsongs.com/work/64437/all
3. Rosenbaum, J. (2023, January 20). Songs in the Key of Everyday Life [THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG]. In Jonathan Rosenbaum. Retrieved December 28, 2023, from https://jonathanrosenbaum.net/2023/01/songs-in-the-key-of-everyday-life/

FAQs

Who directed “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”?

“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” was directed by Jacques Demy.

What is unique about “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”?

The unique aspect of “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is that all dialogue, including casual conversation, is sung as recitative, similar to operas and stage musicals.

When was “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” released?

“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” was released in 1964.

Who composed the music for “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”?

The music for “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” was composed by Michel Legrand.

Did “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” receive any awards?

Yes, “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” won the Palme d’Or at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival.

Were the actors in “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” trained singers?

No, the actors in “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” were not trained singers.

Who provided the dubbed voices for the actors in “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”?

The dubbed voices for the actors in “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” were provided by professional singers. Some of the notable singers include Danielle Licari, José Bartel, Christiane Legrand, Georges Blaness, Claudine Meunier, Claire Leclerc, and Michel Legrand.

What is the significance of “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” winning the Palme d’Or?

Winning the Palme d’Or at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival signifies the critical acclaim and recognition that “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” received. It is considered one of the highest honors in the film industry and highlights the film’s artistic and storytelling achievements.