David Hertzog Dessites

Once Upon a Time Michel Legrand

Maestro of melodies on the silver screen

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964), The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967), Summer of ‘42 (1971), Yentl (1983)... The composer behind the music of these iconic films is brought into intimate focus in this revealing portrait. Nominated for the Academy Award 13 times and winner of five Grammy Awards, Michel Legrand worked with some of the most renowned filmmakers of our time and helped redefine what film music could be.

Based on never-before-seen archival footage, Once Upon a Time Michel Legrand offers a rare glimpse into the final two years of the maestro’s life – from public performances in Paris, Moscow, and Łódź to quiet, personal moments shared with close friends, collaborators, and family. The film also dives into his creative process, the solitude of composition, and the silent labor behind the music.

The documentary reveals the many facets of Legrand’s personality – his brilliance, his unwavering ambition, his sensitivity, and the inner struggles of an artist constantly pushing his own limits. Once Upon a Time Michel Legrand invites the audience on one last journey with a legendary voice. It is a celebration of a legacy that continues – and cinema soundtracks always sound best in movie theatres.

Trailer