Chocolat (2016 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Roschdy Zem |
| Products | Drama film |
Chocolat is a French drama film released in 2016, directed by Roschdy Zem and featuring performances by Omar Sy and James Thiérrée.
Synopsis
The narrative centers on Chocolat, who made history in 1886 as the first black artist to perform on a French stage.
Plot
Set in 1897, the story follows a black entertainer, the son of a former Cuban slave, who holds a small role as Kananga within the Delvaux circus. He teams up with George Foottit, a white clown, to develop a routine portraying an authoritarian white clown alongside a black scapegoat character named Chocolat.
Their act quickly gains traction, catching the attention of Joseph Oller, the head of the Nouveau Cirque, who invites them to perform in Paris. Chocolat rises to prominence as France's first renowned black clown. However, his fame incites envy, resulting in accusations against him for illegal residency.
Following his arrest, Chocolat endures police brutality; despite widespread public admiration, he confronts systemic racism. His public image is diminished to racial stereotypes, as reflected in advertising posters that propagate caricatures. Faced with societal duplicity, he descends into gambling, substance abuse, and relationships with women.
An effort to shift from clowning to performing Shakespeare's Othello fails to resonate with audiences. Eventually, Chocolat slips into obscurity and succumbs to tuberculosis.
Historical accuracy
The storyline draws loosely from the life of Rafael Padilla, born to a Cuban slave under Spanish colonial rule.
References to other films
The movie portrays Foottit and Chocolat being filmed by Louis and Auguste Lumiére. During the closing credits, footage from the Lumiére film The Tilting Chair, showcasing the authentic clowns, is presented.
Cast
- Omar Sy as Chocolat
- James Thiérrée as George Foottit
- Clotilde Hesme as Marie
- Olivier Gourmet as Joseph Oller
- Frédéric Pierrot as Monsieur Delvaux
- Noémie Lvovsky as Madame Delvaux
- Alice de Lencquesaing as Camille
- Alex Descas as Victor
- Olivier Rabourdin as Firmin Gémier
- Xavier Beauvois as Jacques Potin
- Denis and Bruno Podalydès portraying Auguste and Louis Lumière
- Thibault de Montalembert as Jules Moy
- Héléna Soubeyrand as Régina Badet
- Christophe Fluder as Marval
- Antonin Maurel as Ortis
- Mick Holsbeke as Green
Reception
According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 100% approval rating based on 23 reviews, with an average score of 7/10. The box office earnings reached $15.2 million.
Awards
| Award / Festival | Category | Nominations | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| César Awards | Best Actor | Omar Sy | Template:Nom |
| Best Supporting Actor | James Thiérrée | Template:Won | |
| Best Sound | Brigitte Taillandier, Vincent Guillon, Stéphane Thiébaut | Template:Nom | |
| Best Original Music | Gabriel Yared | Template:Nom | |
| Best Production Design | Jérémie D. Lignol | Template:Won | |
| Globe de Cristal Awards | Best Movie | Template:Won | |
| Best Actor | Omar Sy | Template:Won | |
| Lumière Awards | Best Actor | Omar Sy | Template:Nom |
| James Thiérrée | Template:Nom |