Saturday, September 18, 2010

A Good Synopsis 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.

The French film is based on the fictional novel that Chris Greenhalgh wrote in 2002. While the book and the movie are fictional, both are based on true events. Greenhalgh wrote about Coco Chanel's alleged affair with Stravinsky during the time they both lived in Paris in 1920.

This movie was released the same year that another film about the famed designer was released. The other movie, Coco avant Chanel, starred Audrey Tautou as Coco Chanel. Directed by Anne Fontaine, this film was not as well received as the one about the stars' 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.

Seven years pass and Chanel and Stravinsky come in contact again. Coco Chanel has become a successful designer with a thriving business. She is mourning the death of her lover, Arthur "Boy" Capel when she meets Igor. Stravinsky has been forced to leave Russian after the Russian Revolution and has fled to France. The two are immediately attracted to one another.

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.

Jan Kounen directed the movie and Chris Greenhalgh wrote the screenplay along with the book. The movie was filmed in three languages, French, English, and Russian. It stars Ann Mouglalis as Coco Chanel and Mads Mikkelson as Igor Stravinsky. Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky opened around the world after it's premier at the Cannes Film Festival. The initial reviews were mixed. The film was said to be sophisticated but it lacked imagination. It also was not as developed as the book and left the viewer wanting more. - 40732

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