By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
It's possible that I may have dozed off during my high school and college history classes and missed the discussion on the 18th Century virtuoso violinist/composer Joseph Bologne aka "Chevalier" de Saint-Georges.
He was born on the Caribbean Island colony of Guadeloupe, the son of a French plantation owner (George Bologne) and a Senegalese slave woman (Anne/Nanon).
Much of Chevalier's life story has been overlooked throughout history and most of his masterful compositions were destroyed during the French Revolution.
Fortunately, director Stephen Williams (TV's "True Story") and screenwriter Stefani Robinson" (TV's "Atlanta" and "What We do in the Shadows") brings the legendary maestro's remarkable story to life in the fascinating biopic,
"Chevalier."
Kelvin Harrison, Jr. who in my humble opinion, also has been overlooked for his outstanding work in movies such as "Luce," "Monsters and Men," "Wave," "It Comes at Night," "Cyrano" and most recently "Elvis" as B.B. King, delivers once again, this time as the incomparable Chevalier.
We first see a young Chevalier and his father George (Jim High, TV's "Carnival Row") taking him to a prestigious French school. He tells his son to always be excellent and don't allow anyone to tear him down.
Then the film cuts to a theater in Paris where a violinist (Joseph Prowen, TV's "Midsomer Murder") is performing to a delighted audience. He tells them his name is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Before the applause ends, another impeccably dressed gentleman approaches the stage and asks if he can perform with Mozart. Shocked by the nerve of this black man, Mozart agrees and Chevalier (Harrison, Jr.) is handed a violin. He launches right into a musical duel with Mozart. Chevalier steals the show and has the audience on its feet begging for more.
The amazing moment leaves Mozart stunned, a bit embarrassed and wondering just who that guy was. The whole world will know me, notes Chevalier.
Not only was Chevalier an accomplished musician, but also a gifted swordsman whose style, charm and swagger made him a high roller among Paris' swanky social scene. He even captured the attention of Queen Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton, "The Pale Blue Eye") who bestowed him with the Chevalier/knight title. He also ignited the passions of Opera great La Guimard (Minnie Driver, TV's "The Witcher: Blood Origin") but he wanted nothing to do with her.
The movie dives into Chevalier's relationship with his mother Nanon (Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo, TV's "Alex Rider") who he was separated from as a kid, his illicit love affair with a married white woman, Marie-Josephine de Montalembert (Samara Weaving, "Scream VI")--which nearly got him killed by her husband Marc René, marquis de Montalembert (Marton Csokas, "The Last Duel").
The heart of this drama centers on Chevalier's desire for his music to be heard and appreciated and his pursuit to head the Paris Opera. Chevalier appeared to be close to seeing these dreams come true when he meets Madame De Genlis (Sian Clifford, TV's "Unstable"), an influential writer who agrees to help him write an opera based on one of her novels.
Then, everything comes crashing down on Chevalier. He becomes bitter and angry at how quickly his life unraveled.
Chevalier's mother always tried to protect him. She knew he was special and great, but wanted Chevalier to understand that he would never be accepted by French society. His race would sadly overshadow all of his lofty dreams and goals.
He's urged by his rebellious white friend, Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orleans (Alex Fitzalan, TV's "Prosper") to join the Resistance. That stand helps Chevalier understand his purpose but it ultimately just leads to more problems.
Like most historical biopics, I'm sure the filmmakers took considerable liberties in telling Chevalier's compelling story. Even so, Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s gut-wrenching portrayal in this elegant and visually stunning period-piece hits all the right notes and is incredibly entertaining.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"CHEVALIER"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
