Courtesy of Sony Pictures

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is one of the most renowned fashion influences of the last century, building an empire of clothing, accessory, shoe and perfume that continues to be idolized worldwide.

However, few are aware of the modest upbringing Chanel endured, beginning in a life of orphaned hardship and struggling to professionally distinguish herself in a man’s world.
The latest film by French filmmaker Anne Fontaine, “Coco avant Chanel” (“Coco Before Chanel”) illustrates Chanel during her years prior to recognized success, both in her personal life and creative ventures. Audrey Tautou (“Amelie,” “The Da Vinci Code”) embodied Chanel superbly, making the designer’s feisty and passionate personality manifest on the silver screen.

Born in France in 1883, Chanel was faced with an austere upbringing that should have resulted in only a few options for women during those times: Prostitute, wife, seamstress, nurse, etc. Yet, with the right ambitions and strong tact, Chanel broke into an entrepreneurship that was unheard of for women of her day.

Tautou successfully portrayed Chanel in her many personas throughout the story, consistently materializing the will of her character despite the situation. While the majority of the film depicted the personal life of Chanel before her fashion reign, Tautou delivered the subtle fashion tendencies Chanel observed during her onset, often making comments on a woman’s attire or just watching the trends of her era vanished out of style.

Eventually, Chanel plowed a path for herself to succeed in her endeavors, although not always choosing the easiest road. She found herself subject to romantic relationships that were less than emotionally substantial, further muddling her opinion of the traditional juxtaposition of men and women. Chanel took inspiration from her lovers throughout her life, often reconstructing outfits and designs from male clothing pieces. Her two on-screen love interests, Etienne Balsan (Benoit Poelvoorde) and Arthur “Boy” Capel (Alessandro Nivola) fulfilled certain patronages during the story. Chanel found a father figure, lover, friend, guarantor and pure inspiration from both men in her life, which was exemplified by the sentimental acting during the film.

For fans of the classic Chanel style pioneered, this film will surely please the inner fashionista, while portraying the personal efforts one must take to achieve an ultimate goal.

“Coco Before Chanel” is a beautiful rendition of the fashion icon’s life prior to her mainstream success. A fascinating filmmaker, a talented leading actress and an appropriately designed set and wardrobe make this film similar to its subject: classically elegant.

“Coco Before Chanel” opens next Friday at the Hillcrest Landmark Theatre. For more information on showtimes and tickets, visit www.landmarktheatres.com.