Review of Coco Before Chanel (2009) by Jean-Stéphane B — 10 Mar 2010

Nominated for (what else) Best Costume Design at the 2010 Academy Awards, this luscious look at the life of Gabrielle Chanel before she became a fashion icon is a wonderful film.

I knew nothing of the woman who created "The Chanel Suit," not even her real name, but Audrey Tautou brings her to life so wonderfully, her surprisingly demure upbringing is fascinating to watch unravel.

Any film about a woman who throws caution to the wind and breaks all the rules, forever changing the world as we know it, is always a joy to experience, and to see how Chanel revolutionized fashion for women, putting comfort over style, was just such an education and a thrill.

You don't have to care about fashion to feel how deep this film could resonate. I have not seen The Prophet, but I hope this film got close to more than its singular nomination.