Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky (2009)

Jan Kounen’s Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky (2009) includes a clever reconstruction of the notorious premier of Rite of Spring. On the 29^th of May 1913 the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées erupts as the disgruntled or very far from gruntled bourgeoisie begins loudly expressing its chagrin. Vaslav Nijinsky’s spastic choreography does not mollify. The fertility rites, bellicosely choreographed, suck catcalls and whistles; whilst Stravinsky’s beautiful bassoon solo, deliciously played and tastefully repeated throughout the film, is rewarded with rhythmic and muscular booing. The assertively respectable and the aesthetically disreputable join in fisticuffs and an unimaginative exchange of invective, though alas only the later is depicted. Awfully clever moment occurs during the Sacrificial Dance when what appears to be the Chosen One, played by a charming pretty dancer, looking sincere and vulnerable, appears to be the entirely undeserving object of the swelling crescendo of audience hatred. I have been searching for her name, but can locate only an inclusive list of the Danseur 'Le Sacre du printemps'