Biographical drama film Chevalier tells the story of Joseph Bologne - here's an explanation for how Bologne became a "Chevalier" and its actual meaning. Based on the true story of a remarkable figure from the 18th century, Chevalier begins with a gripping scene in which Joseph Bologne requests Mozart to him during his performance of Concerto No. 5. Owing to Mozart's brilliance and the obscurity surrounding Bologne's name, Mozart and his audience underestimate him. However, when Bologne starts performing in Chevalier, his musical forte not only impresses Mozart but also coerces him to duel the artist. 5l5q6i

The film Chevalier is a much-needed exploration into the life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Bologne was a prodigious fencer, violinist, and composer, and rose in the court of Marie Antoinette after being born to a 16-year-old enslaved woman and taken to . Bologne’s story is an incredible one, but after an attempt by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte to destroy the Chevalier’s work, much of it has been lost to history. Writer Stefani Robinson aims to change this with Chevalier, which tells the story of one of many pivotal times in Joseph Bologne’s life.

Warning: This post contains spoilers for Chevalier

The new Searchlight Pictures film Chevalier is re-introducing the world to one of the most prodigious composers and violinists of the 18th century. Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was born to an enslaved Senegalese woman before being taken to . He eventually rose to recognition in the court of Marie Antoinette as a musical master, an exceptional fencer, and a singularly talented violinist. Though much of his work was lost or destroyed during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, the surviving pieces by Joseph Bologne make evident that he was a worthy contemporary of the best-known composers of the time.

WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for Chevalier!Chevalier tells the true story of Joseph Bologne, whose life events continue to be remarkable after the movie’s ending. Set in Marie Antoinette’s , Chevalier follows the life of the first-known Black classical composer and influential violinist Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). Born to Senegalese woman Nanon and her white enslaver George Bologne, Joseph rises to become an integral member of Marie Antoinette’s court and one of ’s most accomplished musicians. However, Joseph continues to face racist policies and mindsets, leading him to the French Revolution and incite change in the oppressive society that exploited him.

Searchlight Pictures’ new film Chevalier brings a largely forgotten musical master into the limelight once again. The film tells the story of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a composer and violinist who rose to fame in the court of Marie Antoinette. Unfortunately, much of Bologne’s work was lost during the rise and reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, so many will be hearing of the composer for the first time thanks to Chevalier.

Warning: This post contains major spoilers for ChevalierChevalieris the first feature film about classical composer Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and there are a few creative liberties taken when adapting his life to the big screen. Directed by Stephen Williams from a screenplay by Stefani Robinson, Chevalier follows the titular character’s life as navigates high society as a biracial man (he was born to a French plantation owner and an enslaved Senegalese woman) in 18th century , composing symphonies, dealing with racism, and finding love.

Searchlight Pictures’Chevalier is a beautiful film that shines a light on Joseph Bologne, a virtuosic violinist and composer granted the title Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Born to an enslaved Senegalese woman, Joseph Bologne became a constant figure in the court of Marie Antoinette, although he eventually took up arms against the nobility and fought in French Revolution. The story of Chevalier takes place during a critical time in Bologne’s life, during which he became entwined in a fateful affair and risked a falling-out with the Queen of .

WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for Chevalier!Adapted from the real-life story of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier’s ending leaves off on an inspiring and gut-wrenching note as the French Revolution draws closer. Chevalier beautifully tells the historically suppressed true tale of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the first known Black classical composer and accomplished violinist in pre-Revolution 18th century . Born to white plantation owner George Bologne and enslaved Senegalese woman Nanon, Joseph Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr) rises to prominence in the French musical society as a member of Marie Antoinette’s court. As he reconnects with his roots, faces racist policies and mindsets, and falls out with the queen, Joseph becomes influential in the fight for change in .

The new Searchlight Pictures biopic Chevalier is an overdue exploration of the life of a once-beloved musician and composer. The film stars Kelvin Harrison Jr., who also recently portrayed musical legend and Elvis’ friend B.B. King in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. Together, the cast and creative team of Chevalier have crafted an engaging film that, despite its detailed approach, is likely to inspire audiences to further research the life of its subject, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.