Coco Before Chanel
Dir: Anne Fontaine
2009
***
There is always a danger when bringing a biopic to the big screen. Do you concentrate on the stuff people don't know or do you play safe? Some would say they do both but generally they follow the same pattern. Fontaine wisely concentrates on the earlier life of Coco, but doesn't dwell unnecessarily on the tough childhood within the orphanage, or the years spent as a cabaret act along side her sister. She concentrates on her fascinating relationship with Etienne Balsan, an interesting character brilliantly played by Benoît Poelvoorde. For the most part the pace is well kept but towards the end Fontaine seems to trip into the typical Hollywood biopic cliches, years are skipped and it all becomes a little unconvincing if not a little dull. I know 'Boy' Capell did die in a car crash but it doesn't help the story become any less cliched, bad luck I guess but the jump from someone who makes hats to global fashion designer is a little ridiculous and feels a little rushed. I wouldn't say Fontaine totally succumbs to trend, where originality is most important she delivers, and visually, this film is as Chic as, well Coco Chanel. Not bad, certainly not as bad as the critics said on it's realise anyway.