Is ‘Chevalier’ Based on a True Story?

Set in the 18th century, Chevalier tells the story of French composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and his rise to fame. 

The Searchlight Pictures drama features notable figures from the time period, including Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton), Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans (Alex Fitzalan) and Marie-Madeleine Guimard (Minnie Driver).

The movie is directed by Stephen Williams and written by Stefani Robinson, with additional performances by Samara Weaving and Fleabag’s Sian Clifford.

Now that the movie has had its theatrical release in the United States, it’s reached a wide audience, who are all left wondering if Chevalier is based on a true story.

Here’s everything you need to know about the origins of this historical drama.

Is Chevalier Based on a True Story? 

Yes, Chevalier is inspired by the real-life life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. 

Born in 1745, the composer was the illegitimate son of an African slave and a wealthy French plantation owner, and became known for his work as a violinist and a composer, as well as his aptitude for fencing. He was also friendly with Queen of France Marie Antoinette.

Throughout his career, Bologne published string quartets, symphonies and operas; however, he was overlooked for certain opportunities due to prevalent racism.

He was often referred to as the “Black Mozart,” which has grown to be a sensitive subject. Now, historians believe that Mozart may have stolen some of Bologne’s work.

In production notes for the film, Searchlight Pictures writes, “Chevalier was what we would call today a superstar—a blinding multi-talent at the top of several games: he was a virtuoso violinist who gave packed concerts; a champion swordsman; an ingenious composer; and, for a time, one of the most alluring, unexpected members of Marie Antoinette’s glittering court.” 

Robinson, who wrote the screenplay, said that Bologne “always felt like a rock star to me.” She continued, “The more I learned about him, the more I was frustrated that people don’t know who he is. It was not easy to get him to the screen, but the fact that it’s here and feels so alive is a very special thing.”

The director echoed the sentiment while explaining his interest in bringing Bologne’s real-life story to life. “I’m very interested in reclaiming the stories of people who led compelling, impactful lives yet have been ignored and dismissed in the larger narrative,” he said.

Williams added that the movie is a tale of self acceptance as Bologne learns that excelling in his work as an artist isn’t enough to be accepted by Aristocratic society. 

Bologne actor Harrison said, “This story asks big questions about art and equality and why so many Black artists have been erased, but it’s also a beautiful celebration of the Chevalier’s life.”

Chevalier premiered in theaters on April 21.