Coco Before Chanel is a 2009 biographical drama film directed by Anne Fontaine. The movie tells the story of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century. The film explores the early life of Coco Chanel, her struggles, and her rise to fame.
The Plot
The movie begins with a young Coco and her sister being dropped off at an orphanage by their father after their mother’s death. The two sisters grow up in the orphanage and eventually leave to join a cabaret group.
Coco falls in love with Etienne Balsan, a wealthy businessman who introduces her to high society. She becomes his mistress and starts designing hats as a hobby. Her creations catch the attention of some of Balsan’s friends, and she begins to receive orders for her designs.
Coco then meets Arthur “Boy” Capel, an English businessman who becomes her lover and financial backer. With Capel’s help, she opens her first boutique in Paris and begins to create clothing that challenges the traditional styles worn by women at that time.
The Cast
- Audrey Tautou as Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel
- Benoît Poelvoorde as Étienne Balsan
- Alessandro Nivola as Arthur “Boy” Capel
- Marie Gillain as Adrienne Chanel
- Emmanuelle Devos as Emilienne d’Alençon
The Themes
The movie explores several themes such as love, loss, perseverance, and gender roles. Coco is shown to be a strong-willed woman who doesn’t conform to society’s expectations of women during that time. She challenges the traditional gender roles and creates clothing that is comfortable and functional for women.
The Reception
The movie received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Audrey Tautou’s performance as Coco Chanel was praised, and the film was nominated for several awards, including four César Awards.
The Bottom Line
Coco Before Chanel is a well-made biographical drama that gives us an insight into the early life of one of the most iconic fashion designers in history. The movie is visually stunning, with excellent costume design and art direction that transports us to the early 20th century. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in fashion or biographical dramas.