Disclaimer: The views expressed here are mine alone and do not represent those of allgames.com.
Introduction to the Colette Movie Review by Ms. H
The Colette movie is a limited release film that is showing in select movie theaters. The good news is that you may be able to use your MoviePass to see it -- since it worked for me. The bad news is the movie may not be playing at the movie theater you usually frequent. In my case, I went to a movie that was a little out of my way to see it. That being said, if you do not mind time-period movies, I think the Colette movie may be worth your time.
Synopsis of the Colette Movie
As I alluded to previously, Colette is a time period movie, set in the latter part of the 19th and the early part of the 20th centuries. I reviewed the synopsis of the Colette movie before venturing out to see it. The main point of the movie involved an attempt by Colette to rightfully claim ownership to literary works that were her own -- but seemed to have been taken over by her husband, played by Dominic West. In other words, he was taking credit for books that she had written, namely a popular novel titled Claudine. However, if you watch the Colette movie, you will find that there are other scenarios in this movie that involve not only Colette and her husband, but other people as well.
Even though there is sparse profanity in this movie, Colette is rated R due to adult content and should not be seen by anyone under the age of 17 -- unless accompanied by parents or legal guardians.
Setting the Stage for the Storyline of the Colette Movie
I think the director did an adequate job of letting the audience know from the start about the relationship status between Colette and her husband -- without any sugar coating. As the events in the movie unfurl, you are kept in suspense as to how the many indiscretions on both the husband’s and wife’s part will impact or even destroy their relationship.
Predictability of the Colette Movie
I knew from the start that Keira Knightley's character would not retain her hair as it was -- even though I had not seen the movie previews. And true to form, she did eventually cut her hair. On the other hand, there are some actions in the movie that are not so predictable. You will find out what I’m referring to if you see the Colette movie.
Kiera Knightley's Oscar Worthy Moment in the Colette Movie
Spoiler Alert: During the movie, there is a revelation that due to financial problems, the husband sold all the rights to the popular book Claudine, that was really written by Colette. Interesting enough, the rights were sold without Colette’s knowledge. Kiera Knightley, who plays the part of Colette, has an oscar-worthy moment when she confronts her husband after realizing that she had been deceived.
If you see the movie Colette, take note of Kiera Knightley facial expressions as well as words during this scene. You as an audience member already know the husband has sold the rights to the book, Claudine -- however, Colette was left in the dark. The Colette movie is not up for an Oscar -- but I think if there was an award given to an actress for the most realistic look of betrayal in a movie -- Kiera Knightley would clearly win it with this scene. She is noticeable upset when she realizes what her husband had done with her book and does not hold back how she felt. For me, this was one of the biggest highlights of the movie.
Assessment of the Colette Movie
In my opinion, Keira Knightley did an excellent job of portraying the writer Colette. As a side note, I want to add that I was impressed by Keira Knightley's accent -- which I found out was natural. The countryside environment was also aesthetic along with the screenshots of Keira Knightley dipping the fountain pen into a jar of ink before she wrote -- as was done during this period of time. However, there was one particular scene in the movie that could have been left off -- but other than that --I think the movie was worth my time and may be worth yours also.
Overall, the Colette movie was told with just the right amount of detail; however, towards the end, I think it lost a little of its 19th century period feeling when Colette branches out and began performing in musicals. For instance, during one of the rehearsals, she wore what looked like current day leggings. Other than that, the movie stayed true to the time period.
As you may know, the Colette movie is based on a true story, with probably some embellishments for dramatic purposes. If you watch the movie Colette, I recommend you stay back to read the messages on the movie screen that divulge what happens to Colette as well as her husband after the story in the movie ends.
Rating of the Colette Movie
Based on a rating of 1 star to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the highest, I rate the Colette movie 4 stars.