Je t’aime bien…moi non plus

Oh…Bourvil. How I love thee.

I suppose, however, that not too many people outside of French speaking countries would know who he was.

Bourvil was a French comedian, mainly known on the big screen for his roles in Louis de Funès movies. His comedy persona usually consisted of a naive, vulnerable and good natured man (much like Jacques Villeret, another gone-too-soon French comedy actor).

An underrated dramatic actor as well, Bourvil’s last role before his untimely death at the age of 53 was in one of my all time favorite movies, by my all time favorite French movie director, Jean-Pierre Melville’s masterful “Le cercle rouge“, in which Bourvil plays a police detective, on Alain Delon and Yves Montand’s pursuit. Casting Bourvil in this role was a brilliant move, and he is shockingly poignant and graceful as detective Mattei.

Bourvil in Le cercle rouge

With Paul Piot’s orchestra, here is Bourvil performing two classic Serge Gainsbourg songs, along with French comedian Jacqueline Maillan (“Pauvre Lola” & “Ça”). In “Ça” (“That”, a cover of “Je t’aime, moi non plus”), Bourvil & Maillan play an old, tired couple sitting in front of the TV and going on about their routine, until they decide to finally do…”that”, amidst lots of giggles!

Both these covers are actually quite endearing.

Come back tomorrow for more !

Bourvil & Maillan – Ça
Bourvil & Maillan – Pauvre Lola