Coco Chanel’s legacy in the fashion industry is well-celebrated, but her life and journey were a mystery to many until the biopic ‘Coco Before Chanel’ (2009) hit the screens. Directed by Anne Fontaine, the movie was based on the book “L’irrégulière” by Edmonde Charles-Roux and explored the life of the fashion mogul before she became the iconic Coco Chanel.

Set in the early 1900s, the audience is transported into the life of an orphaned Gabrielle Chanel, played by Audrey Tautou, who is struggling to make ends meet as a cabaret singer. Chanel ends up becoming the mistress of wealthy men which leads to her spending her spare time designing hats. Her designs are initially labelled as eccentric, as they went against the ornate and heavy styles that prevailed during that time. Chanel’s hats were simplistic, yet elegant and paid homage to her childhood memories of her father’s modest attire.

The film did a commendable job of humanizing the legendary fashion icon. Chanel is depicted as someone with flaws and, at times, she can even come across as unlikable. This adds a realistic element, as it allows the audience to see how Chanel transformed into the poised and self-sufficient woman that she had become.

Coco’s relationship with Étienne Balsan played by Benoît Poelvoorde, a wealthy man with whom she was involved inextricably, portrayed an intimate connection that struggled to find equilibrium. Coco also forms a friendship with Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel, played by Alessandro Nivola, who becomes Coco’s financial backer and one of the great loves of her life.

The film also sheds light on Chanel’s personal insecurities and the adversity she faced as an ambitious woman. Coco was someone who was defying societal norms and attempting to break into a man’s world, so it was refreshing to see the movie showcase the struggles that she faced. She was not taken seriously due to her gender and her lack of pedigree in the fashion world.

Tautou’s performance as the titular character is impeccable, and she encapsulated Chanel’s essence quite well. Her sultry voice and razor-sharp features, combined with a subtle grace, depicted the iconic designer’s personality accurately. It’s not a surprise that Tautou was showered with praise for her performance, especially since she went above and beyond by learning how to sew and creating clothes that were worn in the film.

The costume design, by Catherine Leterrier, was another standout aspect of the movie. The outfits worn by the characters portrayed the era beautifully and gave us a glimpse of the style that later became synonymous with Coco Chanel’s brand. The film’s overall visual style was also gorgeous, featuring stunning shots of the French countryside and the exquisite decor of both Balsan and Capel’s abodes.

The movie’s slow pacing and minimal dialogue might not appeal to all viewers. However, given the subject matter, it seems apt that the narrative is driven by the characters’ expressions, and not their words. It adds to the emotional depth of the film and helps the audience understand the character’s motivations.

Overall, ‘Coco Before Chanel’ is a film that showcases the transformation of Coco Chanel from a singer to a fashion legend. Chanel was more than just an icon in the fashion industry, and this movie goes beyond the superficial aspects of her legacy. The film portrays the resilience of a woman who faced countless obstacles but refused to let them hinder her dreams. It gives us a glimpse into the creation of the most iconic fashion house in the world and the woman who single-handedly revolutionized the fashion industry.

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