This review was originally published after ChevalierMovie's world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 20, 2022. It opens in theaters today
“Play violin concerto #5!” Joseph Bologne shouts as he steps onstage, confident in his abilities, ready to compete against the revered Mozart. Bologne shreds that violin to a standing ovation from the French elite. His origin begins when he is bought from the French colony of Guadeloupe and dumped at a high-class boarding school for boys by his white, slave-owning father. The school is supposed to nurture his talent as a violinist and sword fighter.
Bologne’s music is the talk of the town, but he isn’t allowed to perform in Paris’ most prestigious venues because the color of his skin is a barrier to access. At a party hosted by the Queen, she issues a challenge between him and another composer to write an opera. The winner will perform at the Paris Opera and be crowned the company’s director. He needs sponsors and a singer. After some smooth talking, the musician gets what he needs to win the top spot.
As a Black man in rich, white, French circles there is only so much he can say and do, so he plays the violin to gain catharsis. Joseph has a false sense of reality and often conflates perfection with popularity. He thinks he’s loved for his talents when people only value what he can do for them. Kris Bowers’ brilliant score hints that the action of sleeping with a white woman has sealed his fate and his presumptuousness hinders his ability to see clearly.
The production design by Karen Murphy and costumes by Oliver Garcia are mind-blowingly resplendent. No detail is left spared to transport the audience back to the height of song, music and revolution. The way Williams’ camera maneuvers around Joseph while playing the violin is exquisite. Even the hair and makeup are tight.
The acting is in top form, but the standouts are Harrison and Boynton. Harrison is a revelation and gets better with every performance. He chooses his projects with such care and consideration — he’s navigating Hollywood on his terms. Boynton shapes her version of Marie Antionette as the perfect Karen, very much self-absorbed and anti-allyship. It’s her best work to date.is a lesson in what happens when we get in our own way. Joseph did whatever he wanted to do and paid the price.
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