Review of Coco Before Chanel (2009) by Thomas W — 13 Mar 2010
While the movie is gorgeous to look at, it leaves the viewer wanting a little more substance. I must have expected an equal of La Vie en Rose since they are both about young, artistic, independent French women trying to make it during the time that the world was made for men.
La Vie gave us an unforgettable performance by Marion Cotillard (stunningly marvelous) but Chanel's Tautou just seemed rather dour. It is most unfortunate that a woman who gave women liberty through beautiful clothing didn't get a better cinematic tribute (there is no doubt that there is a more compelling story to this Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel).
As biopics go, I guess I would say it is standard. I didn't hate anything about it; but I didn't love it as much as people should adore Chanel. The movie is titled Coco BEFORE Chanel, so we do not get to see her become the iconic fashion maven -- we get to see her influences, passions and more humble beginnings that led up to it.
Coco Before Chanel does have one of the most beautiful endings I have ever seen on screen -- it is lucky that the film ends on such a high note.
This review of Coco Before Chanel (2009) was written by Thomas W on 13 Mar 2010.
Coco Before Chanel has generally received positive reviews.
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