I wasn't expecting too much from this series, but it pulled me in from the outset. Creator Todd Kessler demonstrates that he is a creative chameleon as he has moved from the world of 'The Sopranos' to occupied and post-war France; the world at war and and the aftermath; as well as, the intrigue and glamour of French fashion.
Kessler worked with the extremely versatile actor Ben Mendleson on another show Kessler created, 'Bloodline.' Herein, Mendleson brilliantly captures the creative genius of Christian Dior, but also his softness, self-doubting and self-sabotaging nuances. He also nailed the French accent. The great John Malkovich was not nearly as successful with his accent, but brilliant nonetheless as Lucien Lelong.
Which brings me to a truly vile and evil creature: Coco Chanel. Juliette Binoche is riveting in this role, capturing the ice-cold essence of a woman who collaborated with the Germans and used and sold-out everyone in her orbit. She even attempted to use her German collaborations to try and steal the Chanel business from her Jewish partners!
Very enjoyable!
Kessler worked with the extremely versatile actor Ben Mendleson on another show Kessler created, 'Bloodline.' Herein, Mendleson brilliantly captures the creative genius of Christian Dior, but also his softness, self-doubting and self-sabotaging nuances. He also nailed the French accent. The great John Malkovich was not nearly as successful with his accent, but brilliant nonetheless as Lucien Lelong.
Which brings me to a truly vile and evil creature: Coco Chanel. Juliette Binoche is riveting in this role, capturing the ice-cold essence of a woman who collaborated with the Germans and used and sold-out everyone in her orbit. She even attempted to use her German collaborations to try and steal the Chanel business from her Jewish partners!
Very enjoyable!