Moviola > Films > Coco before Chanel

Coco before Chanel  (12)   105 mins

" Before she was France's famous mademoiselle..."

From humble beginnings to the heights of society, this is the story of Gabrielle Chanel, the legendary couturier who became a timeless symbol of success, freedom and style.  Orphaned at a young age, Coco Chanel (Audrey Tautou, Amélie) grows up in a convent school, where she learns to embroider and sew.  Bored and dissatisfied with the living she can earn as a seamstress, she begins singing in backstreet cafés and bars, where she attracts the attention of Étienne Balsan (Benoît Poelvoorde), a rich gentleman who immediately becomes intrigued by the stubborn, striking young ingénue.  Swept up in her rich lover's world, Coco soon draws the eyes of society towards her with her unique, elegant style in a time of flamboyance and excess.  Just as controversial is the passionate love affair in which she becomes embroiled, which shatters the conventions of her society - a love so dangerous and forbidden it threatens to destroy her.
 

"The film portrays a fascinating, complex story of relationships in an era on the verge of upheaval. And although the writing and directing is consummate, this is really Tautou's film from start to finish."  Tiscali UK
 

"Tautou is terrific, delivering a nuanced characterisation that isn't afraid of those negative traits, always relying on her innate charm to keep us from being put off altogether."  Urban Cinefile
 

"Visually gorgeous."  Daily Mirror

NB This film is in French with English subtitles.

www.sonyclassics.com/cocobeforechanel

Showing:

13-Jan        Sherborne

28-Jan        Marlborough

Last modified: 08-Dec-2009

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