Review of Coco Before Chanel (2009) by Kevin N — 06 Feb 2010

The problem with this film isn't the direction or the acting, both of which are wonderful, but with the story itself. It's a terribly boring tale about ordinary drama, and any excitement the name Chanel might attract is immediately snuffed by the realization that that story will have nothing to do with this.

Yes, it's a prelude to the important stuff, but fame now does not a whole life of interest make. The film does hit a few strides of intrigue, however, mostly thanks to Fontaine's pristine directorial talent and Audrey Tautou's screen presence, which almost recalls that naturalism and charisma of a Bergman or a Bacall.