Movie Review: “Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky” (+)
July 19, 2010
This film received mixed reviews from other critics. I enjoyed it immensely and think it is well worth seeing. I would also urge you to rent the 2009 film, “Coco Before Chanel,” starring Audrey Tautou. That picture is devoted to Coco’s youth and ends with the death of her true love, Boy Capel, an Englishman who died in an auto accident. Seeing the earlier film will enhance your enjoyment of this movie.
In the current film, Coco (Anna Mouglalis), now a very attractive, middle-aged woman, attends the premier of Igor Stravinsky’s (Mads Mikkelsen) “Rite of Spring,” which is accompanied by a Nijinsky ballet. The music and ballet are failures and the audience boos and walks out.
Coco offers her Paris suburban home to Stravinksy, his wife, Catherine (Elena Morozova), and their four children. They move in and an affair, initiated by Coco, soon begins. The poised Catherine, whose opinions regarding his music Stravinsky valued, more than holds her own. She demands that Igor end his affair or she will leave.
Coco Chanel was a dynamo of creativity. Her clothing, every object in her home from furniture to wall coverings, and her creation of the iconic fragrance Chanel No. 5 were extraordinary as was the way she dominated every situation. She had a spine of steel.
Coco’s vibrant personality and beautiful clothing reminded me of the now deceased Brooke Astor. A little digression: When I was mayor, I introduced Mrs. Astor at an event and mentioned that she had donated $135 million to city charities. She was standing at my side and said, “No, Mayor, it’s at least $200 million with more to come.” She was an indomitable spirit as was Coco. I think you will enjoy this film which is in French, with English subtitles. I saw it at the Clearview Cinema in Montclair, New Jersey.
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The Honorable Edward Irving Koch served New York City as its 105th Mayor from 1978 to 1989.
