Reel Time: (Monsieur) Chocolat (12)
Directed by Roschdy Zem, 2016
The life story of Rafael Padilla, a former slave in Cuba, who unexpectedly became a star clown in the Paris of the Belle Epoque. Discovered in a small country circus in the North of France by George Footit, a British clown and acrobat, he formed a successful duo with him, ‘Footit and Chocolat’. For two decades, and despite conflicts between the two artists, Footit as the authoritarian white clown and Chocolat as the Auguste Black drudge filled crowds with enthusiasm. But nothing lasts forever and the glory of Chocolat, despite his high ambitions, started to decline until his premature death in 1917.
‘A poignant portrayal of a partnership played out against racial politics of the day.’
Cert: 12
Running time: 119 mins
Reel Time at the Coach House Theatre, Regional Centre for French Cinema
The Coach House is proud to present a second week-end of French Films, all but one having been made in the last two years.
