Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageChanel Solitaire (1981)
Director: George Kaczender
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
Madame Chanel changed the way all women dressed and deserves a better biopic than this. Not that exquisite Pisier is subjected to hours of make-up to achieve the withered beldame of later years. The film simply ends in the '20s, by which time Chanel had made it. But how? When Pisier isn't pouting 'adorably', she's occasionally discovered pinning something, but there's no sign of the hard work that created a huge business empire. Chanel's world apparently revolved round men, and all her intuitive genius is unfortunately attributed to their influence: the bobbed hair is created in pique, and the trademark pearls are a reconciliation gift. A Lesbian affair is treated as an aberration. Worst thing in the film is Dalton as the twit lover. Best thing is a sweaty, corseted Black as a member of the demi-monde. Otherwise, chaps, save your money and put it towards that little black dress.Author: JS
Cast & crew
Director: George Kaczender
Producer: Larry G Spangler
Cast: Marie-France Pisier, Timothy Dalton, Rutger Hauer, Karen Black, Brigitte Fossey full cast
Duration: 124 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Has David Cronenberg turned tame?
Has director David Cronenberg veered too far from his radical and bloody roots with new film 'A Dangerous Method'?
The 10 worst date movies
Just in time for Valentine's Day, we present ten of the least romantic films ever made
Where to watch this year's Oscar-nominated films
Find out where to watch 2012's Oscar-nominated films in London cinemas
10 unlikely badboy biopics
Featuring Phil Collins, Jeremy Clarkson, Nick Clegg, David Starkey and a host of other unlikely subjects
Interview: Sean Durkin on 'Martha Marcy May Marlene'
The first-time director of the brilliant new thriller discusses religious cults and robot boxing
Pop-up cinema for Valentine's Day
Side-step romantic clichés with some alternative Valentine’s viewing
What do you think?
Post your review now