My Impressions:
Bringing the hitherto unknown story of Joseph Bologne to life can't have been easy. There were so many ways this movie could've irked viewers, especially those whose entire lives and careers are based on classical music.
However, "Chevalier" genuinely created a compelling, but simplified, portrait of the French-Caribbean composer known for being as bold as he was talented. Aka Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Joseph Bologne rose above his illegitimate bloodline and found his place in French high society.
On a related note, African-American slavery played a vital part in the plot. An intriguing, but forbidden, love affair added to the racial tension. Moreover, memorable historical characters were also given prominent placement in this 'underdog' story about a composer who went the extra mile to own his musical notes.
The story was set in France before the Revolution. I appreciated the sheer attention to detail that went into each frame. I might have missed a thing or two but, from what I could see, they enlivened and enriched that decadent but also tumultuous era of French history.
I particularly liked what they did bringing the younger versions of King Louis XVI (Sam Barlien), Mozart (Joseph Prowen; you will see an interesting side of Wolfgang), and Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) to life. Except for Louis, the others were given a compelling modern twist that created some interesting authenticity in the "Chevalier" plotline.
The way the filmmakers interwove historically established à l'avance (ahead of its time) ideas of equality, societal change, and empowerment further enriched the production. These were complemented by graceful performances from Marton Csokas (Marquis De Montalembert), Alex Fitzalan (Philippe De Leon), and Ronke Adekoluejo (Nanon).
Finally, Kelvin Harrison Jr. Was outstanding in the titular role. He brought gravitas and empathy to the character of Joseph Bologne. His performance left little doubt in my mind that, after watching this movie, people will want some pages of classical European music history to be modified. Be sure to catch those historical notes at the end of the movie.
My only disappointment was that I ended up wishing they explored more elements of Joseph's story. "Chevalier" felt like it ended too soon after speeding to a finish.
Hair-makeup and costume design were excellent. Art direction and set decoration were extraordinary. Stunts and VFX were great. Editing and sound effects were admirable. Musical scoring was superb. Cinematography was exceptional. Screenplay was remarkable. Direction was outstanding.
Bringing the hitherto unknown story of Joseph Bologne to life can't have been easy. There were so many ways this movie could've irked viewers, especially those whose entire lives and careers are based on classical music.
However, "Chevalier" genuinely created a compelling, but simplified, portrait of the French-Caribbean composer known for being as bold as he was talented. Aka Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Joseph Bologne rose above his illegitimate bloodline and found his place in French high society.
On a related note, African-American slavery played a vital part in the plot. An intriguing, but forbidden, love affair added to the racial tension. Moreover, memorable historical characters were also given prominent placement in this 'underdog' story about a composer who went the extra mile to own his musical notes.
The story was set in France before the Revolution. I appreciated the sheer attention to detail that went into each frame. I might have missed a thing or two but, from what I could see, they enlivened and enriched that decadent but also tumultuous era of French history.
I particularly liked what they did bringing the younger versions of King Louis XVI (Sam Barlien), Mozart (Joseph Prowen; you will see an interesting side of Wolfgang), and Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) to life. Except for Louis, the others were given a compelling modern twist that created some interesting authenticity in the "Chevalier" plotline.
The way the filmmakers interwove historically established à l'avance (ahead of its time) ideas of equality, societal change, and empowerment further enriched the production. These were complemented by graceful performances from Marton Csokas (Marquis De Montalembert), Alex Fitzalan (Philippe De Leon), and Ronke Adekoluejo (Nanon).
Finally, Kelvin Harrison Jr. Was outstanding in the titular role. He brought gravitas and empathy to the character of Joseph Bologne. His performance left little doubt in my mind that, after watching this movie, people will want some pages of classical European music history to be modified. Be sure to catch those historical notes at the end of the movie.
My only disappointment was that I ended up wishing they explored more elements of Joseph's story. "Chevalier" felt like it ended too soon after speeding to a finish.
Hair-makeup and costume design were excellent. Art direction and set decoration were extraordinary. Stunts and VFX were great. Editing and sound effects were admirable. Musical scoring was superb. Cinematography was exceptional. Screenplay was remarkable. Direction was outstanding.