Coco Before Chanel
Seen it?2009 | 110 min | Drama, History
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It drew serious awards attention, though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Amadeus or The Pianist, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 50 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
Several years after leaving the orphanage, to which her father never returned for her, Gabrielle Chanel finds herself working in a provincial bar. She's both a seamstress for the performers and a singer, earning the nickname Coco from the song she sings nightly with her sister. A liaison with Baron Balsan gives her an entree into French society and a chance to develop her gift for designing.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
64% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Critics' Choice Award: Critics' Choice Movie Award: Best Film Composer. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 4 BAFTAs and 1 more Critics' Choice Award. Plus 2 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$51 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 40K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Anne Fontaine
- Audrey TautouGabrielle 'Coco' Chanel
- Benoît PoelvoordeÉtienne Balsan
- Alessandro NivolaArthur 'Boy' Capel
- Marie GillainAdrienne Chanel
- Emmanuelle DevosÉmilienne d'Alençon
- Régis RoyerAlec, Jockey
- Étienne BartholomeusBalsan Butler
- Yan DuffasMaurice de Nexon
- Fabien BéharShop Boss
- Roch LeiboviciJean, Groom