This week at the cinema - January 16, 2019
Colette (2018)Genre: BiopicDirector: Wash WestmorelandStarring: Keira Knightley, Fiona Shaw, Dominic West, Robert Pugh, Sloan Thompson, Arabella Weir, Denise GoughDuration: 111 minutesClass: 15KRS Releasing Ltd
British independent film-maker Wash Westmoreland (Still Alice) takes on the story of the French Nobel-nominated author Colette, best known for her 1944 novella Gigi.
After moving to Paris with her husband, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette agrees to ghostwrite a series of novels for her him.
The phenomenal success of the series of novels titled Claudine makes Willy a well-known writer and he and his wife become contemporary celebrities. However, lack of recognition soon frustrates Colette and she plucks up the courage to fight for creative ownership and overcome the societal constraints of the early 20th century.
The film, which had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, was welcomed by most critics, with Knightley earning plaudits for her role. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone magazine commented: “This is the firebrand Colette that Knightley plays with every fibre of her being. She's something to see.”
Manohla Dargis of The New York Times called the film “an attractive...