“COLETTE" - AN INSPIRATION FOR ALL WOMEN
- October 23, 2018
Bonnie Errin
I had the pleasure of watching “Colette” at the Angelika Film Center over the weekend. This movie is an inspiring period piece and an enjoyable snippet of history. Keira Knightley plays Colette magnificently as a country girl transplanted to Paris after marrying Willy (Dominic West), a successful writer but not so savvy businessman. It doesn’t take Colette long to realize her husband’s shortcomings. As she adjusts to her new life, she matures in wisdom and spirit. And as she states when introduced as Willy’s bride, “The wild days have just begun.”
The movie focuses on the sexual adventures of Colette and Willy and the constant tension in their marriage. Knightley convincingly portrays a creative, talented, and independent woman facing the social challenges of her time. I was also impressed by the subtle aspects of the film such as the unwavering support of Colette’s mother, Sido, (Fiona Shaw) for her daughter.
The biggest and most pleasant surprise was Missy (Denise Gough), a real person in history who broke gender norms well ahead of her time. According to Wikipedia, Mathilde “Missy” de Morny’s father was the Duke of Morny and half-brother of Napoleon III. Her mother was possibly the illegitimate daughter of Nicholas I of Russia. Colette grows into her own person during the romance with Missy.
Wash Westmoreland artfully transports us to a time in Paris of high culture and social thought. The costumes and setting are beautiful and the historical references make the story that much more interesting. The movie will no doubt inspire a new generation of Claudine fans.
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