Although Daniel Auteuil remains France’s finest living actor, it is easy to forget how good Gerard Depardieu can be.

As Alain Moreau, the titular singer, he casts vanity aside in a mesmerizing performance as a man who, realizing the big time will never happen, is content to play old folk’s homes and dance halls.

At the dance hall, Moreau is drawn to aloof estate agent Marion (de France), particularly when she does an early morning runner after spending the night with him.

Under the pretence of searching for a new house Alain slowly woos the younger, frosty woman, and discovers not only his life remains unfulfilled.

Playing his weight as well as his age, Depardieu looks like the wardrobe needed for his many lounge jackets, but is charismatic and vulnerable enough to make the romance believable.

De France gives Marion a weary wisdom beyond her years, and is a world away from her infamous horror hit Switchblade Romance.

Writer / director Giannoli avoids easy clichés, and populates the background with Mathieu (Munich) Amalric as Alain’s friend and rival for Marion’s heart, and Christine (The Page Turner) Citti as Alain’s manager, ex-wife and occasional bed partner.

He also has the good sense to set his gentle, bittersweet story against the rustic backdrop of the provincial French countryside.

A minor work for the famous Gallic acting export, The Singer still leaves a song in the heart.

Rob Daniel