Coco Before Chanel 2009
Directed by
Anne Fontaine
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Coco Before Chanel (2009). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The film begins with a poignant glimpse into the childhood of Gabrielle Chanel, who along with her sister Adrienne is left at an orphanage in Aubazine by their father. Each Sunday, Gabrielle dreams of their father’s return, yet he never appears. Later reflections reveal that their mother’s sorrowful marriage contributed to their abandonment after her death, prompting their father’s departure to seek fortune in America soon after.
Years later, we find a young Gabrielle working as a seamstress in a local bar, performing as a cabaret singer by night. Together with her sister, they sing about a lost little dog named “Coco” at the Trocadéro in Paris, resisting the stigma of being mistaken for the bar’s courtesans. Despite their efforts, both attract the attention of wealthy older men—Adrienne, a baron; and Gabrielle, an aristocrat named Balsan. The nickname “Coco” becomes synonymous with Gabrielle.
Determined to forge her own path, Gabrielle moves to Balsan’s countryside estate, engaging in a romantic relationship with him while striving for her independence. She discovers a passion for horse riding, which inspires her to design revolutionary trousers for women. Within Balsan’s social circle, she befriends actress Emilienne, starting a career in designing hats and dresses, shunning the restrictive corsets and excessive adornments of the time.
Among the group is a younger, self-made English businessman named Arthur Capel, who captures Gabrielle’s heart during a seaside escapade in Normandy. As Balsan grows jealous of their budding romance, he proposes marriage to Gabrielle in a bid to win her back, but she turns him down. In retaliation, he reveals that Capel is already engaged in England. Nevertheless, Gabrielle continues her affair with Capel, firmly stating her refusal to marry.
Capel recognizes Gabrielle’s unique talent, affirming, > “There’s no one else like you.” Encouraged, she continues to develop a modern vision of women’s fashion, representing freedom and self-determination instead of subservience. When she discovers that her bank financing relies on Capel’s guarantees, she chooses to confront the bank herself, realizing her success requires independence from men.
Tragedy strikes when Capel dies in a car accident, leaving Gabrielle crushed yet resolute in her pursuit of self-reliance and her distinct style. The film concludes with Coco clad in one of her signature tailleurs, seated on a staircase, reflecting on the emergence of her fashion legacy as she observes models showcasing Coco Chanel’s iconic creations through the decades. The title, “Coco avant Chanel,” aptly encapsulates the beginning of her remarkable journey in the world of fashion.
Timeline
Track the key events of Coco Before Chanel (2009) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Abandonment at the Orphanage
Gabrielle Chanel and her sister Adrienne are left at an orphanage in Aubazine by their father. Each Sunday, Gabrielle dreams of his return, symbolizing her hope and innocence, but he never comes back, marking the beginning of their challenging lives.
Life as a Seamstress and Singer
Years later, Gabrielle works as a seamstress in a local bar during the day and performs as a cabaret singer at night. Alongside Adrienne, they entertain patrons with songs about a lost dog named 'Coco', navigating the dangers of their perceived roles as courtesans.
Attracting Wealthy Patrons
Both sisters catch the attention of affluent older men, with Adrienne attracting a baron and Gabrielle drawing the interest of an aristocrat named Balsan. This marks a pivotal change in their lives, as they become entangled in the lives of the Paris elite.
Moving to the Countryside
Gabrielle decides to leave Paris and move to Balsan's countryside estate, deepening their romantic relationship. As she embraces this new life, she seeks independence and begins to explore her creativity in fashion.
Passion for Horse Riding
While at Balsan's estate, Gabrielle develops a love for horse riding, which fuels her desire to innovate women's fashion. She designs revolutionary trousers for women, challenging the societal norms of her time.
Friendship with Emilienne
Gabrielle forms a friendship with actress Emilienne within Balsan's social circle. This connection inspires her to start a career designing hats and dresses, as she rebels against the restrictive fashions of the day.
Meeting Arthur Capel
During a playful seaside outing in Normandy, Gabrielle meets Arthur Capel, a younger self-made English businessman. He captures her heart and supports her ambitions, adding complexity to her relationship with Balsan.
Proposal from Balsan
As Gabrielle's relationship with Capel flourishes, Balsan, feeling threatened, proposes marriage to Gabrielle in an attempt to reclaim her affection. Gabrielle courageously declines, asserting her independence and desires.
Balsan's Retaliation
In a desperate move to win Gabrielle back, Balsan reveals to her that Capel is already engaged in England. Despite this shocking news, Gabrielle remains undeterred and continues her affair, defining her own path.
Developing a Fashion Vision
Gabrielle's unique talent in fashion begins to shine as Capel encourages her to express her vision. She emphasizes a modern representation of women’s fashion that prioritizes freedom and self-determination over traditional standards.
Confronting the Bank
Realizing that her financial independence relies on Capel's guarantees, Gabrielle boldly decides to confront the bank herself. This decisive moment cements her commitment to self-reliance and marks a turning point in her career.
Tragic Death of Capel
Tragedy strikes when Arthur Capel dies in a car accident, leaving Gabrielle devastated. This loss challenges her resilience but also propels her forward in her relentless quest for independence and self-expression in fashion.
Coco's Fashion Legacy
The film closes with Gabrielle, now known as Coco, reflecting on her journey while wearing one of her iconic tailleurs. She observes models showcasing her creations, embodying the impact of her work and her legacy in the fashion world.
Title Reveal: 'Coco avant Chanel'
The film’s title, 'Coco avant Chanel', signifies the dawn of her transformative journey in fashion. It underscores the significance of her struggles and triumphs before becoming a legendary fashion icon.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Coco Before Chanel (2009) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Gabrielle Chanel
Gabrielle Chanel emerges as a strong, determined woman who seeks to define her identity amidst societal constraints. Orphaned as a child, her experiences shape her relentless pursuit of independence, both personally and professionally. She is innovative, defying traditional fashion norms to create a signature style that embodies freedom and strength.
Adrienne Chanel
Adrienne is Gabrielle's devoted sister, who shares in Gabrielle's struggles and dreams. Though supportive, she remains more rooted in the traditional expectations of women during that era. Her relationship with Gabrielle highlights the contrasting paths they take as Gabrielle embraces independence in pursuit of her ambitions.
Arthur Capel
Arthur Capel is a charming English businessman who captures Gabrielle's heart and becomes her muse. He sees her unique talent and encourages her fashion aspirations, supporting her quest for independence. His tragic death signifies a turning point in Gabrielle's life, fueling her determination to succeed in the fashion world.
Balsan
Balsan is an aristocrat who initially provides financial support for Gabrielle’s endeavors. His jealousy of her growing relationship with Arthur Capel showcases his possessiveness, contrasting against Gabrielle's desire for personal freedom. While he embodies the traditional male role, Gabrielle's rejection of his marriage proposal marks her refusal to be confined.
Emilienne
Emilienne is an actress who befriends Gabrielle, introducing her to the artistic and fashionable circles of Paris. She represents the bohemian spirit of the times, inspiring Gabrielle's creative endeavors and broadened perspectives on fashion. Their friendship highlights the importance of camaraderie and support among women in a competitive industry.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Coco Before Chanel (2009), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Early 20th Century
The early 20th century was a transformative era marked by a push for women's rights and a break from traditional gender roles. Fashion evolved to reflect individualism and freedom, moving away from the constraints of Victorian styles. This period saw the rise of influential figures like Coco Chanel, who challenged societal norms and pioneered modern fashion.
Location
Aubazine, Paris, Normandy
Aubazine is a small French village known for its serene landscapes and historical significance, particularly as the backdrop for Gabrielle Chanel's formative years. Paris, a bustling metropolis, serves as the heart of culture and creativity, where Gabrielle begins her journey in the world of fashion and cabaret. Normandy, with its picturesque coastlines, provides a romantic setting for her escapades with Arthur Capel, further enriching her story of love and ambition.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Coco Before Chanel (2009). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Independence
Independence is a central theme in 'Coco Before Chanel,' as Gabrielle strives to carve her own path in a male-dominated society. Her journey from a seamstress to a pioneering fashion designer symbolizes the struggle for self-determination and personal freedom. The film underscores the importance of self-reliance and breaking away from traditional expectations to fulfill one's dreams.
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Loss
The theme of loss profoundly impacts Gabrielle, particularly with the tragic death of Arthur Capel. His untimely passing not only leaves her heartbroken but also serves as a catalyst for her unwavering commitment to her fashion vision. Loss becomes a powerful motivator for Gabrielle to channel her grief into creating a legacy that defies societal norms.
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