Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky (2009/Sony Blu-ray)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: C Film: B
After
several recent feature film and TV dramatic biographies of Coco Chanel, I was
surprised to hear that yet another film had been made, but this one is
different. Instead of yet another
biopic, Jan Kounen’s Coco Chanel &
Igor Stravinsky (2009) covers the little known or discussed relationship
that occurred after both had great losses.
For him, it was his wealth when the Russian Revolution made him broke. For her, the death of her young lover in a
car crash.
Mads
Mikkelsen (Casino Royale (2006)) is
remarkable and almost unrecognizable as Stravinsky, who becomes engrossed with
making his masterwork The Rite Of Spring
work. He is very talented and shows it
here. Anna Mouglalis (A New Life, Gainsbourg) is very convincing as Chanel, playing her with flaws, a
temper and edge we have not seen before.
They play the two well with chemistry that they themselves have and
generate, plus they are so effective in their roles that it is like
eavesdropping.
Add the
great production design and locations, along with an amazing series of period
clothes and the result is a very rich period piece that is a pleasure to watch
with a density you would find in a film as strong as Il Divo. I think this will
be discovered as time goes on and people realize it was lost in what we will
look back on as the “Chanel Shuffle” which in itself is not a bad thing, but I
believe more people would really enjoy this excellent film if they just saw it.
The 1080p
2.35 X 1 digital High Definition image is a little soft throughout, but is more
likely filmed (Super 35mm) and Director of Photography David Ungaro (99 Francs) takes us to another place
like the best period pieces do. There are
some fine shots and the scope compositions are a plus. The DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) lossless 5.1 mix
has some limits on its soundfield and can be a quiet mix as expected for a
period piece, but Gabriel Yared score is effective and is a key part of the design,
though sound effects and other music is also key. Extras include a making of featurette and BD
Live interactive functions.
-
Nicholas Sheffo
