Kelvin Harrison, Jr.
“CHEVALIER” My rating: C+ (Hulu)
109 minutes | MPAA rating: PG-13
Revolution. Racism. Romance.
As a black man in the court of Louis XVI, Joseph Bologne (aka the Chevalier de Saint-Georges) experienced a lifetime of triumphs and tragedies…enough to keep a half dozen other men fully occupied.
Why, then, is the movie based on his life so…well, uninvolving?
The historic facts alone are pretty overwhelming.
Born to a French planter and his slave on the Caribbean isle of Guadaloupe, young Joseph displayed musical precocity at an early age and was sent to Paris to study at a prestigious academy.
His dark skin set him up for much abuse; by his late teens (as an adult he is portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr.) he had a reputation as so ferocious a swordsman that few dared insult him openly.
His musical career faced the same prejudicial barriers; fortunately Joseph found a powerful patron in the queen, Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton), who sponsored many public performances of his works (in some quarters he was known as “the black Mozart”) but could not secure for him the coveted position of director of the Paris Opera. He just wasn’t white enough.
As a member of an abused minority Joseph gradually embraced the egalitarian ideas that would lead to the French Revolution and the beheading of his royal benefactor. Happily the film ends well before that grim event.
Still, that’s plenty to work with. But screenwriter Stefani Robinson and director Stephen Williams don’t seem to know just what to think of their protagonist…he’s a musical genius, yes, but he’s also just as spoiled and dissipated as the young French nobles with whom he hangs.
In lieu of really understanding the Chevalier, the film turns to an interracial romance — one based on fact. Joseph falls for the young wife (Samara Weaving) of a boorish, jingoistic and, yes, racist military man (Marton Csokas). The big issue is whether the two lovers will ever be able to bring their relationship out of the shadows.
Now all this would be fine if — and it’s a big if — the film were able to generate any real erotic or romantic heat. We have to care desperately that the two lovers to find happiness.
Uh, sorry. No. The emotions on display here are as dulled and blunted as the production design and costumes are dazzling. After a while the eye candy cannot disguise the emotional hole at the film’s center.
Still, it’s glorious to look at. Take what you can get.
| Robert W. Butler
Butler's Cinema Scene 
Hey Bob, Long time no lay eyes upon. I’m enjoying your film reviews. We watched The Diplomat on your recommendation because who can ignore Keri Russel? Right now we’re watching Somebody Somewhere (you might have reviewed prior to me subscribing to Cinema Scene?) Entertaining and almost makes you want to be gay in a red state. I’d like to send you a copy of my book because I think you will enjoy it. Hardly Working https://linktr.ee/hardlyworking No obligation to read it but you’ll like the pictures. Give me a mailing address if you’d like a copy (signed of course). Waiting for your next B+. Cheers, Roger https://rogerdaybain.com/