Based on the bestselling novel of the same title, written by Laura Moriarty, the Chaperone was adapted for screen by Julian Fellowes, writer of Downton Abbey.
The film transports the viewers straight into Jazz era New York, with every detail true to the setting, from the flapper costumes, hair and makeup to the atmosphere.
The Chaperone is a coming of age period drama, set in the summer of 1922, where a fifteen year old Louise Brooks is accepted into the prestigious Denishawn School of Dance in New York. Desperate to leave the small town of Wichita, Kansas, yet unable to attend alone, her overbearing yet seemingly disinterested parents insist on a chaperone to accompany her. Enter Norma Carlisle, a middle-aged, traditional, Prohibition supporting woman who seems to have never broken a rule in her life.
Norma unwittingly accepts the opportunity to accompany the young, rebellious and free-spirited teen whose progressive attitude was at the forefront of her character, yet it is clear that she has an agenda of her own. The film seems to be multilayered, focusing on the individual journeys of both Louise and Norma, as well as the relationship that develops between the two characters.
Standout performances from Haley Lu Richardson as Louise and Elizabeth McGovern as Norma make the film endearingly watchable. Their talents lend to the essence of their characters, and their change over the twenty-year timespan of the movie is believable. Richardson’s background in dance enhances her performance and clear talent makes her captivating on screen. The chemistry of the two actresses isn’t overly obvious, yet is effective enough.
With a reasonable running time of 103 minutes, the plot develops with enough momentum to tell the story thoroughly without dragging. Seemingly aimed at an older audience, younger generations may relate to the innocence and tenacity of Louise Brooks’ character. Anyone who is attracted to period dramas would enjoy this film. Notably, the integration of social issues relevant in the era also enhance the relatability of the film in that viewers can contrast between the society we live in today, making connections to progression.
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