The “Most Accomplished Man in Europe” Was a Black Man
The movie “Chevalier” explores the erased life of Joseph Bologne, 18th century France’s most accomplished violinist and composer
At the conclusion of the final scene, I burst into tears. Not because it was sad; because it was that powerful. I was that moved.
I have NEVER had such a reaction to a movie. I mean, I’m a crier, so I routinely tear up at movies. But I have never uttered a loud cry and burst into tears — having to grasp the wall to steady myself — during a movie. So I asked myself, what was it about this movie that caused such a strong, guttural and emotional reaction?
And I realized what it was. It was pain, mixed with an overwhelming sense of pride in who I come from.
If you haven’t seen the movie Chevalier, (1) you should fix that and (2) heads up that there are major spoilers below.
Chevalier, based on a true story, traces the life of Joseph Bologne (played by Kelvin Harrison, Jr.), an 18th century French nobleman. Specifically, a Black, French nobleman.
As a lover of European history from the 16th to 19th centuries, that fact alone secured my interest in the movie. A Black nobleman in 18th century France? How?? As a Black woman…
