The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The Triplets of Belleville (2003) – S. Chomet

Not afraid to look ugly, Sylvain Chomet’s debut animated feature is quirky and weird and unpredictable – in other words, great!  Highly stylized with its own look (not the homogenized animation we’re now getting used to) that experiments with mixed media and unusual camera angles (among other directorial flourishes).  The soundtrack, featuring 1920s era jazz plus classical plus diegetic effects (but no dialogue of any consequence) heightens your pleasure.  The plot seems to involve the mafia kidnapping some Tour de France riders and the efforts of one’s grandmother (and faithful dog) to track down and rescue him in a distant city called Belleville; they are aided by a trio of ancient jazz performers (the Triplets of the title).  The result is funky and fresh and also very French.  Highly recommended.