Costume drama by Anne Fontaine (Coco avant Chanel) in which composer Maurice Ravel, despite writer's block, creates his masterpiece Boléro.

Paris in the roaring twenties. We follow Maurice Ravel, considered the country's most important (still living) composer at the time. He is working on a composition for Ida Rubinstein, an extravagant Russian choreographer. It should be something thrilling, erotic and daring. But while the city bustles, Ravel remains silent. He loses himself in self-criticism, and in memories of past failures. All around him he hears inspiration, but he gets nothing on paper. The closer the deadline approaches, the greater his writer's block becomes. Until suddenly there is a rhythm, and a rousing, sensual melody that form the basis for what has become his world-famous masterpiece: the Boléro.

The fi...

Costume drama by Anne Fontaine (Coco avant Chanel) in which composer Maurice Ravel, despite writer's block, creates his masterpiece Boléro.

Paris in the roaring twenties. We follow Maurice Ravel, considered the country's most important (still living) composer at the time. He is working on a composition for Ida Rubinstein, an extravagant Russian choreographer. It should be something thrilling, erotic and daring. But while the city bustles, Ravel remains silent. He loses himself in self-criticism, and in memories of past failures. All around him he hears inspiration, but he gets nothing on paper. The closer the deadline approaches, the greater his writer's block becomes. Until suddenly there is a rhythm, and a rousing, sensual melody that form the basis for what has become his world-famous masterpiece: the Boléro.

The film was shown as a preview to our Film Club members.
Some reactions:

"Beautifully filmed, well played, beautiful music, strong story."

"Fascinating!!! Will start listening to bolero in a different way."

"A brilliant film. You are taken into his struggle from beginning to end"