Chevalier's France Dinner Song Choice

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Post on Nov 15, 2024

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Chevalier's France Dinner Song Choice: A Culinary Anthem or a Missed Opportunity?

The recent news that actor Kelvin Harrison Jr., playing Chevalier de Saint-Georges in the biopic "Chevalier," chose an American song for a pivotal dinner scene has sparked debate amongst music and history enthusiasts. The decision to use a modern song, "You Should Be Dancing" by Bee Gees, instead of a piece from Saint-Georges' own repertoire or another period-appropriate selection, has been met with mixed reactions.

While the film aims to showcase Saint-Georges' remarkable life as a composer, violinist, and fencer in 18th-century France, this choice appears to prioritize modern audience appeal over historical accuracy. This begs the question: was this a clever artistic flourish or a missed opportunity to celebrate Saint-Georges' musical legacy?

Arguments for the Choice:

• Modernity: Using a contemporary song injects a sense of modernity into the film, making the story resonate more deeply with a 21st-century audience. The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics might also contribute to a more engaging cinematic experience.
• Accessibility: Choosing a well-known song allows viewers to connect with the scene even if they aren't familiar with classical music or Saint-Georges' works. This could potentially broaden the film's appeal to a wider audience.
• Artistic License: Filmmakers often take liberties with historical accuracy for artistic purposes. Using a modern song could be seen as a creative choice to create a unique and memorable scene.

Arguments Against the Choice:

• Historical Inaccuracy: Replacing a period piece with a modern song undermines the film's historical context. It disrespects Saint-Georges' brilliance as a composer and potentially obscures the cultural landscape of 18th-century France.
• Missed Opportunity: By not showcasing Saint-Georges' own music, the film misses a crucial opportunity to celebrate his genius and introduce his works to a larger audience.
• Lack of Context: The choice of "You Should Be Dancing" might seem jarring and incongruous to some viewers, potentially distracting from the narrative and emotional impact of the scene.

The Bottom Line:

Ultimately, the choice of using "You Should Be Dancing" in "Chevalier" is a creative decision that will likely be debated for some time. While the film's aim is to bring Saint-Georges' story to a wider audience, some argue that the choice of music undermines the historical accuracy and artistic potential of the film. It remains to be seen whether this choice will enhance or detract from the film's overall impact.

The debate surrounding this decision highlights the complexities of balancing historical accuracy with artistic license in filmmaking. It also underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of historical figures like Chevalier de Saint-Georges, whose musical legacy deserves to be acknowledged and shared with future generations.