The movie Chevalier opens with an irresistible showdown sequence, set in a Paris theater in the second half of the 18th century. The scene features a young violinist named Joseph Prowen, who leads an orchestra with infectious enthusiasm. Bologne Handsome, well-dressed, well-mannered and Black, Bologne is also a violinist, and the two men engage in a breathtaking duet that becomes almost like a duel. Their virtuosic playing fills the theater with wild and glorious music, captivating the audience.
The movie is about violinist Joseph Bologne played by Kelvin Harrison Jr., the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Born to a French plantation owner and an enslaved African woman. Bologne was a brilliant musician and composer, as well as a skilled swordsman, and socialite in the highest circles of Paris during the reign of Marie Antoinette. In this remarkable film, based on a true story, Bologne defies all odds as he ascends the ranks of French society, captivating audiences as a renowned violinist-composer and displaying his remarkable skills in fencing. His extraordinary tale unfolds, encompassing a doomed romance and a tumultuous fallout with none other than Marie Antoinette (played by Lucy Boynton) and her court. Sadly, much of his work was destroyed during the French Revolution, and performances of his music were banned during Napoleon’s era, his story is reemerging thanks to this film.
This movie moved me! As a musician, composer, & performer it hit all the points of interest that lead to the fact that injustice is no respecter of persons! “Chevalier” is passionate, well-cast, and brilliantly acted. I love, love, loved it. And let’s not forget the sumptuous score. Plus I learned something new about French History. Yep, they were racist back then, too! I guess the question should be, “Who wasn’t?!”
Chavalier is inspiring and a must-see, truly a 5-star experience!
