I have no idea how to describe this film, but it was incredibly engaging and had me hooked from near enough start to finish. Colette is a biographical drama based on the life of the French novelist of the same name.
The film follows Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (played by Keira Knightley), a woman from a poor family who marries a "literary entrepreneur" and ends up becoming a ghost writer for him before forming her own identity under the mononym, Colette. As this is based on a real person, I can't help but wonder if Colette inspired the novel and subsequent film adaptation of The Wife, as thematically they are very similar.
Visually stunning, the film switches between the dark, dank, claustrophobic Parisian buildings--during which most scenes take place indoors--and the crisp, vibrant, natural areas of Saint-Sauveur en Puisaye where she was raised. The completely opposition emotional outlooks and disposition between the two areas are black and white and keep the film tracking along without succumbing to monotony.
The film covers the affairs of both Colette and her husband "Willy"--affairs in both an emotional and sexual context--but does so in a liberating way. The film shies away from negativity, instead, pushing the impassioned and raging energy into more creative endeavours, every emotional trough creating the opportunity for another wave of success.
As well as the sexual liberation that is on display thematically, Colette also looks at the concept of creating a brand, challenging gender roles, finding your own identity, and the dangers of celebrity infatuation (something that the world still struggles with).
I cannot put my finger on what exactly is so appealing about this film. The story is simple and linear. Perhaps it comes down to the energy that Keira Knightley and Dominic West put into their performances. There is a certain zest and pizzazz that drives the film forward. A sense of freedom that is unrepentant. Colette is refreshing and daring. Youthful and effervescent. A thrilling combination of tantalizing acting performances with visually arresting environments.
One of my Top 3 films of the year. Would definitely watch it again, and would recommend it no questions asked.