These 2021 Sundance Film Festival headliners became household names thanks to some unforgettable roles early in their careers.
Daniel Kaluuya, known for his roles in "Black Mirror" and Get Out, stars in Judas and the Black Messiah. "No Small Parts" takes a look at his rise to fame.
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Title: The Chaperone (2018)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Elizabeth McGovern | ... | Norma | |
| Haley Lu Richardson | ... | Louise | |
| Géza Röhrig | ... | Joseph | |
| Victoria Hill | ... | Myra Brooks | |
| Campbell Scott | ... | Alan | |
| Blythe Danner | ... | Mary O'Dell | |
| Andrew Burnap | ... | Floyd | |
| Miranda Otto | ... | Ruth St. Dennis | |
| Robbie Fairchild | ... | Ted Shawn (as Robert Fairchild) | |
| Matt McGrath | ... | Raymond | |
| Daisy Pugh-Weiss | ... | Young Greta (as Daisy Ann Pugh) | |
| Sean Hudock | ... | Young Man | |
| Jayne Houdyshell | ... | Sister Delores | |
| Meg Heus | ... | Nun | |
| Robert Ray Manning Jr. | ... | Man #1 (as Robert Manning Jr.) | |
In this handsome period piece perfectly suited for cinephiles of all stripes, director Michael Engler (Downton Abbey, 30 Rock, Six Feet Under) and screenwriter Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey, Gosford Park) bring a fascinating slice of pre-Hollywood history to light in a coming-of-age story centering on the relationship between the young, free-spirited and soon-to-be international screen starlet Louise Brooks (a riveting, high-intensity Haley Lu Richardson) and her tee-totalling chaperone (a wonderfully nuanced Elizabeth McGovern). On their journey from the conservative confines of Wichita Kansas to the flash and sizzle of New York City, both women are driven by a kindred desire for self-discovery and liberation from the past. Based on the book by Laura Moriarty and anchored by a superb supporting cast (Miranda Otto, Géza Röhrig, and Blythe Danner in a key cameo), The Chaperone is a sensitive, resonant, and illuminating tale of women's lives in the early 20th century.
The Chaperone definitely didn't feel as roaring as they say about the 1920s, so it's safe to say you don't need to bring one yourself.
The film has its pleasures, but nothing too wild actually happens. Which is interesting, since the story is actually about Louise Brooks (Haley Lu Richardson), an actress best known for some provocative silent films and her free-spirited life who was living her life way ahead of time. The other main character who goes through a life changing experience is Norma Carlisle (Downton Abbey's Elizabeth McGovern), Brooks' chaperone.
We meet Norma in Wichita, Kansas, in 1922, where she and her husband Alan (Campbell Scott) are attending an evening of dance to benefit the Children's Home. The star of that event is young Louise, who charmingly glides over the floor in her white robes and captivates Norma within seconds. When she overhears Louise's mother talk about needing a chaperone to accompany Louise to classes given in New York by the biggest company in modern dance, run by Ted Shawn (Robert Fairchild) and Ruth St. Denis (Miranda Otto), she impulsively volunteers for the job.
Soon we'll realise that Norma's marriage is not in an ideal state. But that's not the main reason for the trip: she arrived in Kansas on an orphan train from NYC, and she hopes to find more information about her birth parents in the metropolis. On the other hand, young Louise is only interested in her future and her dreams of becoming the best dancer on the planet. She doesn't believe in rules and isn't afraid to break them, but being a teenager she doesn't have another choice than to bring an adult with her on this voyage.
Early on in the story, it becomes obvious that Louise is a magnet to men of all ages, she can convince them to do anything for her, but also doesn't realise how this makes her look to the world surrounding her. Norma's quote about "men not liking candy that has been unwrapped" will get a much deeper meaning further along in the story. Once arrived in New York, each of them embark on a self-discovering journey that will change their lives forever.
Both writer and director (Julian Fellowes and Michael Engler respectively) worked on the Emmy-winning tv-series Downton Abbey and its forthcoming feature film. The entire idea for the film was pitched by producer and star of the film McGovern, who came across the novel the film is adapted from. It was also great to see Géza Röhrig playing a key role in the story, after seeing his work in Academy Award-winning feature Son of Saul.
Everything is pretty much by the book, but it's wonderful to see two women in different stages of their lives, changing the course of events and by doing so, changing the world around them how big or small that world may be.