Director
Wash Westmoreland
(STILL ALICE, QUINCEAÑERA)

Stars
Keira Knightley and Dominic West

COLETTE is based upon the life of French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, who was widely known for her 1944 novella Gigi, which was the basis for the film and stage production of the same name.

This biographical drama begins with Colette (Keira Knightley) in her late teens as she moves from rural France to Paris to marry a Parisian writer commonly known as Willy (Dominic West), in the early 1890s. Soon, she begins to ghostwrite for her husband, which leads to the publication of a novel that becomes a raging success. Though she sometimes challenges her husband over the creative ownership of her books, Colette is able to tolerate the gender disparity by channelling her inner thoughts and feelings through the central character she has invented. As the years go by and her book series gain increasing popularity, Colette’s will to be recognised for her works escalate simultaneously with the awakening of her sexuality.

In spite of being a true story about a French writer that is set in France, COLETTE is aiming to reach a broader audience by being rendered entirely in English. Thankfully, the rising dramatic intrigue throughout the picture and its accomplished acting performances ensure that this century-old tale is neither archaic nor lost in translation.

But first, this period drama needs to and eventually does overcome a sluggish opening act that importantly establishes its main characters and setting. Once these formalities are complete, the script shifts its focus onto the couple’s sensitive and unorthodox relationship matters and Colette’s development as both a writer and a young woman. Though the lapses in time between scenes isn’t always clearly articulated, COLETTE is growingly fascinating to watch when these engaging details are at the fore. Especially from the time that Colette meets a couple of other characters and romantic interests who may take her life in a completely new direction. As you may be fathoming, this biographical drama concentrates on the relationships and circumstances that occurred over several years prior to Colette inscribing her own name as a writer in the world, rather than her battle in achieving this. Personally, I did enter the cinema hoping that COLETTE would also represent this significant milestone in its female protagonist’s life. However, I did exit the cinema feeling content by the rousing final act and a more than satisfactory conclusion to the story that is captured. 

3 ½ stars

Viewer Discretion
M (Sex scenes and nudity)

Trailer
COLETTE

Moviedoc thanks Transmission Films for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
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