CHEVALIER chronicles the historical rise and ultimate fall of one of the world’s most prolific musicians. Joseph Bologne was a violin virtuoso, composer, conductor, and master fencer. Yet, he was not remembered as he should have been for his genius and extraordinary talents because he was a black man and the bastard son of a white slaveholder.
CHEVALIER was a dramatic depiction of a man who had much to overcome. Kelvin Harrison Jr. breathed life into a difficult role. He was able to create a pompous character that was rich in the 18th-century musical backstories of history. The music was phenomenal. The sets showcased the elite from France just before the French Revolution. The costumes and wigs were sheer perfection. The attention to detail was glorious. Audiences are treated to stunning pictures of a time long ago.
My only note was that the film did not dig deep enough. It breezed over some of the most agonizing moments of Bologna’s life, especially at the start of the revolution. I wanted to watch the entire portrait of this magnificent CHEVALIER. I felt we owed him more since he was almost forgotten through past centuries. It was a missed opportunity, but it does not take away from the spectacle of our past.
It is available on HULU.
