Searchlight Pictures takes theater goers back to the 18th Century starting April 21, 2023, for “Chevalier,” a film inspired by the incredible story of composer Joseph Bologne, aka the Chevalier de Saint-Georges.
The Story
Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) was the illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, a man of color in a society rife with racist beliefs and laws.
In the midst of mounting bigotry and raging social fury, his path would take a turn as he ultimately rebelled against the aristocracy that adored his talents yet disparaged his heritage and confined his potential.
The Chevalier (French for a knight) was multi-talented: he was a virtuoso violinist who gave packed concerts; a champion swordsman; an ingenious composer; and, for a time, one of the most alluring, unexpected members of Marie Antoinette’s court.
The film shows Bologne’s rise to improbable heights in French society, complete with an ill-fated love affair, and a falling out with Antoinette (Lucy Boynton).
Directed by Stephen Williams (“Watchmen”), the movie also stars Samara Weaving, Marton Csokas, Alex Fitzalan, and Minnie Driver.
The Trailer
American President John Adams once declared Joseph Bologne as “the most talented man in Europe,” and now Searchlight Pictures is telling his story.
Meet “Chevalier“:
Saw this at TIFF22 last September with my wife and some friends. We all agreed it was good. Nicely done drama with a fair bit of action. It should have been longer though. Too much of Bologne’s incredible life story was summarized on screen at the end.
Thanks for sharing Mike! I’ve heard nothing but good things about the film.
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