Radar
Radar
MOVIE REVIEW: COCO BEFORE CHANEL
Finally, a reason to get dressed up for the movies.
She was known as an orphan abandoned by her father, a cabaret performer with little talent, and a seamstress who worked in the back of a tailor’s shop.
But to us, Gabrielle Chanel will always be known as Coco.
This shift in the famous designer’s life—from have-not to have—is the focus of Coco Before Chanel.
Like its title suggests, the film, directed by Anne Fontaine, isn’t about the groundbreaking style coming out of her Paris atelier. Rather, it’s about how Chanel got to the point where she could revolutionize the way women dress. Audrey Tautou (who may never escape her role as Amelie) plays the role with aplomb, balancing our sympathies for Chanel with our frustration; though her headstrong nature ultimately helps her break into the mainly-male world of design, it also leads to her into some unfortunate positions.
Similar to Chanel’s designs, Coco Before Chanel's strength is in the details: A young Chanel dressed in a nubby, hand-knit sweater; an older Chanel lying under a tree, surrounded by leaves; an in-love Chanel wandering down the shore as ocean mist veils her body. Shots like these help the film transcend what could otherwise be just a glorified BBC movie.
And though the film features heartbreak and letdown, knowing how it ends—with a legacy that’s only gotten bigger over the years—allows for liberated movie viewing. Just be warned: You’ll want to indulge in some hardcore shopping the moment you leave the theater.
REBECCA WILLA DAVIS
Visit sonyclassics.com for more info.
But to us, Gabrielle Chanel will always be known as Coco.
This shift in the famous designer’s life—from have-not to have—is the focus of Coco Before Chanel.
Like its title suggests, the film, directed by Anne Fontaine, isn’t about the groundbreaking style coming out of her Paris atelier. Rather, it’s about how Chanel got to the point where she could revolutionize the way women dress. Audrey Tautou (who may never escape her role as Amelie) plays the role with aplomb, balancing our sympathies for Chanel with our frustration; though her headstrong nature ultimately helps her break into the mainly-male world of design, it also leads to her into some unfortunate positions.
Similar to Chanel’s designs, Coco Before Chanel's strength is in the details: A young Chanel dressed in a nubby, hand-knit sweater; an older Chanel lying under a tree, surrounded by leaves; an in-love Chanel wandering down the shore as ocean mist veils her body. Shots like these help the film transcend what could otherwise be just a glorified BBC movie.
And though the film features heartbreak and letdown, knowing how it ends—with a legacy that’s only gotten bigger over the years—allows for liberated movie viewing. Just be warned: You’ll want to indulge in some hardcore shopping the moment you leave the theater.
REBECCA WILLA DAVIS
Visit sonyclassics.com for more info.
This story was published on September 23, 2009.
Share
CONTENT RATING:
( 3 )
( 3 )
jennifer chadfield
09/24/2009
Though, the movie was quite good incite into her life, I didn't think it was that special at all. I actually thought that she had quite a typical life/not out of the ordinary for the time. Dont get me wrong I love love love chanel and would die for a 2.55 bag but the movie didn't make me "...want to indulge in some hardcore shopping the moment you leave the theater." Actually it made me want to revamp my whole closet. Take a look at all that whats in products and make me change them to my style and tastes. Move was okay but I wouldn't pay to see it again.
thesilkyside
09/28/2009
It is not a shopping movie it is about a woman who chooses business instead of private life and family. I think it is an outstanding movie. Audrey Tautou did a great job as Coco.
Faghag
06/22/2010
I liked the movie - it ended too soon, finishing at the point when Chanel established her shop.
What I didn't like was all the cigarette smoking; Chanel had a fag in her gob at every opportunity. Product placement like this is sick. Smoking is not cool or fashionable...just dumb.
|
|
|
|
|
