Saturday, September 18, 2010

Overview Of The Film Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky

By Alfredo Ross

At the 2009 Cannes Film Festival in May, Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky debuted. This film is about two renowned people who were having an intense love affair. They are French designer Coco Chanel and Russian musician Igor Stravinsky.

This French film is based on Chris Greenhalgh's novel that he wrote in 2002. The book and movie were written as fictional tales, however they are based on factual events. The alleged affair between Coco and Igor only lasted a short while the pair lived in Paris, France during the early 1920's.

2009 was also the year that Anne Fontaine directed and released her movie based on the life of Coco Chanel. The movie, Coco avant Chanel, starred Audrey Tautou. Unfortunately the movie strictly based on the life of the designer was not as popular as the one based on her dramatic love affair.

The storyline of the movie is an intriguing look into the affair. It begins in Paris, France. It is 1913 and Coco Chanel is in attendance at the premier of Igor Stravinsky's outrageous ballet, The Rite of Spring. The musical scores and the racy choreography offended some audience members who preferred more classical and demure ballet.

The music and dance appalled the large audience, which sets off the biggest musical riot in history. But, young Coco was not offended in the least. In fact, she enjoyed the show and is especially interested in Igor when she sees him storming out of the angry theater.

It is seven years before Coco sees Igor again. She has become a successful designer and her business is thriving. But she has not been successful in love and is currently mourning her former lover, Arthur Capel. She meets Igor again when he has fled to Paris after escaping the Russian Revolution. There is an instant attraction between them.

Coco allows Igor, his children, and his lovely wife to stay in her villa that is on the outskirts of Paris. During the time he and his family are living there, Coco and Igor begin to have an affair. During this affair, both of their work becomes greater due to the love and passion that they feel for one another. It is during this time that Chanel No. 5, Coco's most famous perfume is released. It is also during this period that Igor Stravinsky starts to produce his best work. His music is filled with passion and is somewhat freeing, more than before he began the triste with France's most well known designer. As with any deceptive affair, the couple is soon caught by Igor's wife and the affair comes to an end.

Chris Greenhalgh wrote the screenplay as well. The movie was directed by Jan Kounen and filmed in English, French, and Russian. It stars Ann Mouglalis as Coco Chanel and Mads Mikkelsen as Igor. Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky opened with viewers having mixed reviews. They felt that the movie had great and exciting moments but it was not developed properly. It left the audience yearning for more. - 40729

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