Bologne was the son of a French plantation owner and an enslaved African. His father didn’t want the black child at home, so he put Joseph in boarding schools, Fortunately, the youngster showed a knack for sword fighting and music, especially composing and playing the violin.
A well-done period piece taking place starting in France before the Revolution, this film takes us from Bologne’s childhood to his days of glory and then to his fall from Marie Antoinette’s (Lucy Boynton/Sing Street) grace.
We learn how much Joseph wanted to be in charge of the Paris Opera, not just being designated Chevalier de Saint Georges. And we see how unlucky he was in love with married woman Marie-Josephine (Samara Weaving/Bill & Ted Face the Music).
Our first glimpse of Joseph is as an adult in a fantastic violin performance.
Violins roar across the screen
Duelists want to be heard and seen.
Exciting movie opening
causes lots of viewer cheering.
CHEVALIER shows one French man
once adored then facing ban.
Color, politics in his way.
and forgotten to this day.
An important film I am sure.
CHEVALIER’S work should now endure.
Looking forward to movie award season, I think this offering should end up with a number of nominations. Harrelson Jr. delivers an outstanding performance. He manages to give Chevalier a perfect swagger as well as a feeling for humanity, which comes through during the second part of the film when his life changes drastically. Others to watch include the fabulous costumes by designer Oliver Garcia (The Favourite) plus the impressive period hair and makeup under the direction of Lukas Beran (The Courier).Also, the music made me wish more movies would include classics like we see and hear in CHEVALIER.
Personally, I would like to thank director Stephen Williams (Soul Survivor) and writer Stefani Robinson (TV’s What We Do in the Shadows) for calling attention to composer Joseph Bologne’s life. They may have used dramatic license and liberties in certain places, but their film makes sure CHEVALIER is no longer erased from history.
NOTE: Fans of Joseph Prowen (Father Brown) should watch for his wonderful cameo as Mozart.
History is always written by the winners. When two cultures clash, the loser is obliterated and the winner writes the history books. --- Dan Brown.
(Released by Searchlight Pictures. Rated “PG-13” by MPAA. Available now on Hulu.)
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