Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky is a sensual treat. Whether you are looking at the exquisite interior designs, the fabulous costumes, or taking in the compelling musical score, experiencing this film is like breathing fine art. Its style envelopes you and you find yourself captivated. Sparse on dialogue, we spend much of this film watching our characters in close up, searching their faces for clues and meaning, explaining their innermost thoughts. Nothing in this film will hit you over the head. It is subtle, suggestive and implies much.
Coco Chanel came from very humble beginnings and was given the opportunity to shine as the mistress of a wealthy man. Despite his help, she considered herself a self-made woman, but she had a very generous spirit. Later in her life at the height of her success, she would often reach out and assist others in their artistic endeavors. This is how she became the patroness of Igor Stravinsky.
After World War I Igor Stravinsky was unable to return to his native Russia so he was living in hotels with his entire family and trying to work there. Admiring his compositions, Coco Chanel invited him to reside in her country home where he could write in a more suitable environment. Stravinsky’s wife, Katrina, was suffering from tuberculosis, so he made the decision based on her health and for the happiness of his kids. He was very productive in Coco’s home, but it is rumored that he had an affair with Coco right under his wife’s nose. This film, based on the book, goes with this premise and illustrates their relationship.
Both Stravinsky and Chanel were considered the most influential people of their time. Whatever inspired them was felt in the world of fashion and music where they were both breaking new ground and destroying old conventions. Igor Stravinsky made the mistake of alienating his benefactor and his wife grew tired of playing dumb. The affair ended and Coco and Igor both went their separate ways, but for a while they burned brightly together. Two stars sharing time and space and then rising separately to greater heights. This is truly a beautiful film and one I found quite fascinating.
Rating: First Run Like breathing fine art
About Me
- Melanie Wilson
- My Reviewer's Philosophy: I believe that every film has its audience. One man’s Citizen Kane is another man’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre. My purpose is to help you spend your entertainment dollars wisely. A bad review never kept me from going to a film I wanted to see, but a good review will sometimes get me to a film I never considered. As a movie lover I want you to go to the movies. When more people go to the movies, the more movies get made. But, I also believe that if you enjoy the films you see, you naturally will be inclined to go more often. So join me in supporting our film industry by going to a movie today. Hopefully I can steer you towards a good one. See you at the movies. Melanie Wilson
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