Review: "Colette" – A Woman Who Stands Up to Men

Isabelle Braun ’20 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
In the 1940s, women faced a challenging situation in the workforce. Men and women were on a slightly more even ground; however, it was still heavily uneven. Women’s work, especially in the publishing world, was somewhat forced to be published under a man’s name in order to get any recognition from the public. One woman, in particular, faced a personal issue in this field, and her hard work to get recognized is now known today.
Colette came to the big screen with the protagonist of the film being the famous novelist Colette, played by Keira Knightley. After marrying the famous writer, who goes by the name of “Willy” (Dominic West), the couple moved to the dazzling city of love, Paris. As money is tight, Willy convinces Colette to ghostwrite for him, as they will then have double the work available to the public under a man’s name and, therefore, a greater chance of receiving income. Yet, after Colette’s most famous work, Gigi, gained enormous popularity, she started to fight to get her work published in her own name. The movie as a whole is a fantastic compilation of topics from pushing societal constraints, rebranding literature, and standing up for one’s own work.
The art of Colette brings to life the amazing story of a woman who fought for recognition. The timing is appropriate and Knightley’s performance showcases a strong woman who knows what she wants. This artistic work is definitely one to admire both afar and up close.
Overall Grade: A
Watch The Trailer:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_8U7gjb2k4[/embedyt]