A One Mann’s Movies review of “Chevalier” (2023).
I missed “Chevalier” at the cinema, but my friends on our “Flickering Dreams” podcast raved about it. Perhaps it lost some of the spectacle, but even on my little seat-back BA economy screen, I could appreciate it was a class act.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
It’s the 1750’s. Joseph Bologne, the illegitimate son of a plantation owner and one of his slaves, is dumped in a private school in Paris and forced to fend for himself against the racist bullies. Now a grown man (Kelvin Harrison Jnr), Joseph has been recognised for his virtuosity as a violinist and composer and rises within the court of Marie Antoinette.
Certification:
UK: 12; US: PG-13. (From the BBFC web site: “Racism, moderate violence, threat, sex references, brief strong language”.)
Talent:
Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jnr , Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton, Minnie Driver, Sian Clifford, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Joseph Prowen.
Directed by: Stephen Williams.
Written by: Stefani Robinson.
Twitter Handle: #ChevalierMovie.
Bologna and Mozart in their opening ‘violin-off’. (Source: Searchlight Pictures).
“Chevalier” Review:
Positives:
- I guess the first positive to mention here is what an amazing true story this is to have taken so long to come to the screen. The fact that this man of colour defied all the odds and the prejudice to rise to this position in French society is astonishing.
- The production design for the film is superb as are the costumes and hair & makeup. One might hope for some awards recognition.
- Kelvin Harrison impressed me in “Cyrano” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and does do again here. It’s a cracking performance.
- In supporting roles, Lucy Boynton is wonderfully imperious and Samara Weaving and the wonderful Sian Clifford (from “Fleabag”) also impress.
Negatives:
- Reading his wiki entry (here) the film’s story, especially re. his alignment to the revolutionary cause, clearly takes a lot of liberties…. Which is a shame: the true life story is interesting enough.
Summary Thoughts on “Chevalier”
It’s a solid and well-filmed historical biopic, bringing to life the music of a forgotten black classical composer. If I’d seen it in a more focused way, and on a bigger screen, I might have given it an even higher rating. Marked in my book for a rewatch.
The director, Stephen Williams, is an alumnus of dozens of TV shows over the years, including episodes of “Lost”, but he’s done very little in terms of feature films. Based on this, he should do more.
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Trailer for “Chevalier”:
The trailer is here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-LtCIImfSCk .
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