As reported a couple of months ago, a 90-minute film on Céline Dion's career, from her childhood to “Titanic”, has been made by TV director Jeff Woolnough. “Céline” has just been released on DVD in France, under the label “M6 Video”.

An article by Dominique Dufaut

Although Céline Dion did not take part in the project and didn't give her consent (as stated on the booklet), the TV movie is based on the story of her life. The Eurovision part is certainly the most interesting one… for eurofans at least. One particular scene shows "René Angélil" trying to reach American producer and songwriter David Foster by phone, then asking his assistant to reach "the Eurovision director" !!!

Here is the dialogue between "Céline and René" during this special scene:
Céline : Eurovision ?
René : Even Foster can't ignore you once you win the mother of all contests
Céline : Didn't Abba win Eurovision a few years ago ?
René : It made them, the same way it will make you
Céline : But it's not popular here in Québec
René : Maybe no one watches it here, but everyone understands what 600 millions viewers means
Céline : 600 millions viewers ?
René : Mmm
Céline : And what happens if I don't win ?
René : I don't see how you can lose !

Then, the couple stands in their hotel room in Dublin, "Céline" wearing a similar outfit to the one made for real back in 1988 and next scene shows her performing on stage, with a big "Eurovision" neon light in her back. Her song seems to be entitled Don't leave me now… but this is not even an English version of Ne partez pas sans moi!

Nothing is mentioned on the suspense of the voting that year and the next scene sees "Céline", with the trophy in her hands, climbing the stairs together with "René" and, as the two of them are about to enter his/her own room, they kiss. As reported in the "official biography" of Céline Dion (published in 1998), this 1988 April 30 night seems to have been very important in the performer's life… not only on an artistic point of view.

No need to tell you the rest of the story. The film is pleasant to watch. Many among Céline's big fans won't find some parts credible though. The fact that, even as a child, Céline sang in English is a bit awkward, as we all know the girl (and the teenager) was not fluent in English until Eurovision.