
A Magnificent Life (French: Marcel et Monsieur Pagnol) is a 2025 animated biopic film about writer, playwright and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol, written and directed by Sylvain Chomet. It is a co-production between France, Belgium and Luxembourg.
In The '50s, Pagnol (voiced by Laurent Lafitte) starts writing his Autobiography. As he writes "I was born..." (the first words of My father's Glory), a ghostly kid appears: twelve year-old Marcel, who then helps him remember his past life. Pagnol leaves the South of France and moves to Paris, writes theatre plays, then makes films.
This film provides examples of:
- Les Collaborateurs: During the Occupation of France by Nazi Germany, an annoying film critic that has always hated Pagnol now criticizes Pagnol's new film for disapproving of France surrendering. He has a very annoying voice and a mustache that looks like Adolf Hitler's.
- Godwin's Law of Facial Hair: During World War II, an annoying film critic who seems to represent the government and who hates Pagnol has a mustache that looks like Hitler's.
- Historical Domain Character: Some actors who famously worked with Pagnol appear as character such as Orane Demazis, Raimu, Fernandel etc. There's also director, writer and TV host Pierre Tchernia.
- It Will Never Catch On:
- When Pagnol considers making theater plays set in Provence, in a strong regional accent, many characters doubt him, including himself. Then his plays are very popular, and the regional accent is part of Pagnol's trademark.
- When Pagnol considers making talking films, adapting his plays with the original cast, many characters are skeptical. His films are successful, and people in France today remember Pagnol's actors because they can be seen on screen.
- When Pagnol says he wants to adapt Fanny, the sequel to Marius, an American producer tells him that sequels don't work, and that "No sequels" is a golden rule of Hollywood.
- The Roaring '20s: An important part of the film is set in the 1920s, as Pagnol moves to Paris and becomes a successful playright. It then moves on to the 1930s, as Pagnol makes the first talking French films, adapting his theatre plays on screen.
- Show Within a Show: Several theatre plays and films by Pagnol are seen being made or performed. This film includes several live action scenes, mostly from films directed by Pagnol.
- Spirit Advisor: Slightly transparent, 12 year old Marcel appears to old Pagnol as he is writing his autobiography. He helps him remember his past life and gives him his child's point of view. The child also makes short appearances in several scenes when Pagnol is a young adult; a few people can see him, but can't tell who he is.
