8.5 / 10 (based on 805 reviews)
An unprecedented and intimate immersion into the world and life of Orelsan, one of the most famous and emblematic French rappers of his generation. Tracing his entire career, this original production tells the story of this man who has filled the largest French concert halls and reveals the behind-the-scenes story of his rise to fame for the first time.
Genre: Documentary, Music
Main Cast: Orelsan, Gringe, Clément Cotentin, Skread
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1 season, 6 episodes, 120-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Orelsan: Montre jamais ça à personne (2021)
Bloqués (2015)
7.8 / 10 (based on 833 reviews)
Bloqués is a French YouTube Series. Gringe and Orelsan are two adults that like to lie on their couch and think about life. Bloqué is about their fear of work and their fear of comitement.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Orelsan, Gringe, Jonathan Cohen, Sophie-Marie Larrouy
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1 season, 120 episodes
La Flamme (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 1496 reviews)
None
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Jonathan Cohen, Géraldine Nakache, Ana Girardot, Doria Tillier
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1 season, 9 episodes, 26.0-minute runtime
Serge le Mytho (2016)
7.7 / 10 (based on 340 reviews)
None
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Jonathan Cohen, Jeremie Galan, Izïa Higelin, Gringe
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1 season, 30 episodes
In the realm of music documentaries, few have the power to transcend mere chronicling to offer a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the life of an artist. “Orelsan: Montre jamais ça à personne” manages to do just that, providing a deep dive into the life of French rapper, songwriter, and record producer Orelsan. This documentary series, released in 2021, spans five episodes, each meticulously crafted to shed light on the artist’s journey, his struggles, and his triumphs.
The Genesis of Orelsan
Before delving into the series itself, it’s crucial to understand the figure at its center. Orelsan, born Aurélien Cotentin, is a pivotal figure in French hip-hop, known for his sharp lyrics, distinctive voice, and the ability to weave personal stories with broader societal themes. His rise to fame was not without controversy, often finding himself at the center of media storms for his unapologetically honest lyrics. It’s this very rawness and authenticity that “Montre jamais ça à personne” captures brilliantly.
A Deep Dive into the Documentary
The Structure
The series is cleverly structured, not just following a chronological timeline but also weaving in personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with those closest to Orelsan. This approach allows viewers to see the multifaceted nature of the artist’s life, from his early days in Alençon with dreams bigger than his surroundings to his ascent to the top of the French music scene.
The Early Years
One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is its exploration of Orelsan’s early years. It paints a picture of a young man driven by a passion for music, yet plagued by self-doubt and the fear of not living up to his potential. The series doesn’t shy away from showing the less glamorous side of his rise to fame, including the countless hours spent in makeshift studios, the struggle to be taken seriously, and the personal sacrifices made along the way.
The Controversies
No discussion of Orelsan’s career is complete without addressing the controversies that have surrounded him. The documentary tackles this head-on, providing a nuanced view of the backlash against some of his lyrics, accused of being misogynistic and violent. Through interviews and personal reflections, viewers are offered a glimpse into Orelsan’s thoughts and feelings during these tumultuous times, adding depth to the public’s understanding of the incidents.
The Creative Process
For fans of Orelsan and music enthusiasts alike, the segments delving into his creative process are pure gold. The series provides an intimate look at how he crafts his lyrics, the inspiration behind his songs, and the collaboration with other artists and producers. It’s a testament to the documentary’s quality that these segments are both informative and deeply engaging, highlighting Orelsan’s dedication to his craft.
Personal Life and Growth
Beyond the music, “Montre jamais ça à personne” doesn’t neglect the person behind the persona. Viewers get to see Orelsan’s interactions with his family, his relationship with his long-time girlfriend, and his friendships, particularly with fellow rapper Gringe. These moments add a layer of humanity and relatability to Orelsan, showcasing his growth not just as an artist but as a person.
Why This Documentary Stands Out
In a sea of music documentaries, “Orelsan: Montre jamais ça à personne” stands out for several reasons. Firstly, its honesty and lack of pretense are refreshing. There’s no attempt to sanitize or glorify Orelsan’s journey; it’s presented warts and all, allowing viewers to make their own judgments.
Secondly, the documentary’s production values are top-notch. The editing is sharp, the music well-chosen, and the use of archival footage and personal videos adds a layer of authenticity that’s hard to replicate.
Lastly, it’s the universal themes that resonate. While Orelsan’s story is unique, the themes of perseverance, self-doubt, artistic integrity, and personal growth are universal. It’s a documentary that speaks not only to fans of Orelsan but to anyone who has ever dared to dream big.
Final Thoughts
“Orelsan: Montre jamais ça à personne” is more than just a music documentary; it’s a meticulously crafted series that offers a comprehensive look at one of France’s most intriguing artists. Through its honest portrayal of Orelsan’s life and career, the documentary achieves a rare feat: it demystifies the artist while simultaneously elevating him.
For fans of Orelsan, this series is a must-watch, offering insights and anecdotes that are unlikely to be found elsewhere. For those new to his music, it serves as an engaging introduction to a complex artist whose work defies easy categorization.
In the end, “Montre jamais ça à personne” does what all great documentaries should do: it tells a compelling story that resonates on a deeply human level, reminding us of the power of art to reflect, challenge, and ultimately, connect us.