We need to talk about the divisive new Celine Dion biopic
“Aline,” the fictionalized, unauthorized Celine Dion biopic…of sorts…that leaves people wondering, ‘What exactly is going on here and how should I feel about it?’The French-Canadian drama sees 57-year-old Valérie Lemercier starring as not-quite-but-basically Dion (“Aline Dieu”) at all ages, including childhood.
Yes, you read that correctly, Lemercier, who also directed the film, plays Dion/Dieu throughout her life, including as a five-year-old, with the help of CGI.
This choice of all choices has critics and regular moviegoers alike trying to determine why one wouldn’t just cast child actors who look similar to Dion instead of superimposing an adult’s face onto a child’s body.Is this a case of one of the worst decisions in filmmaking history, or is it actually quietly genius and perfectly camp?
Well, it depends on who you ask.The much-discussed movie premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival in July, and had its Canadian premiere in November of last year.
