COCO BEFORE CHANEL
Obazine Orphanage 1893
Girls who have visitors...
...follow me.
Come on.
Come on, let's go.
I don't want to.
I waited for my father every Sunday.
He never came back.
Moulins - 15 years later
Lost my little cute Coco Doggy that I did adore
Trotted off at Trocadero Now my doggy is no more
One regret, undermining As I do the cruel recap
While my man was out two-timing Coco was sleeping in my lap
Has anyone seen Coco? Coco in Trocadero?
Has any of you seen Coco?
-For Coco. -Have a seat.
Hookers, that way.
For Coco.
Is that all I'm worth?
Nice of you.
Your baron is here.
Coming?
Come on, please. He's not alone.
Darling, this is Etienne Balsan.
That was wonderful.
My pleasure.
Gabrielle, Adrienne's sister.
Fanny, Queen of the Night.
Not to pry, but who's younger?
-Gabrielle. -I couldn't guess your age.
-How old? 16? 25? -When I'm bored, I feel ancient.
Very clever.
How old do you feel now?
A thousand years old.
Pleasant girl.
Is she always so blunt?
Aren't you?
Running off?
We're drying up. Let's drink.
-Champagne. -Good idea.
I'll pour it, thanks.
-Some champagne for Coco. -Gabrielle.
It's too prim. I prefer Coco.
-Coco sounds
For a rooster. You have lousy taste.
I like it.
Do you ever speak kindly? Huh?
Try saying something nice.
I have nothing to say.
Those dark little eyes.
Caroline Your shoes are all a-shine
And your flowery hat, so fine
When you stall, you're such a pain
Keep on walking, stop that talking
You'll make us miss our train
Girls.
The petticoat is torn. It's urgent.
The frill on the bottom.
-Come on, it's easy. -Please.
Done.
Don't tell me the end.
It's always the same thing.
Blanche the orphan overcomes obstacles...
...and marries the Prince of Espeyrac.
Story of my life.
I hadn't thought of that.
You're mean.
Have you been to India? No.
Blanche did, to prove she's no gold digger.
You want me to go to India?
Making out with your baron in some rat hole won't get you far.
He loves me.
I even met his friend.
He's just showing he can get a pretty girl into bed.
Love is best in fairy tales.
You have no heart.
The only thing interesting in love...
...is making love.
Too bad you need a guy for that.
We're on, Cocorico.
That was stupendous.
Thank you, Mr. Balsan.
-I mean it. -Even the second time?
I missed some nuances the first time.
Have a seat.
Did I say something wrong?
She wants to leave us alone.
To convert me to the cause of love.
I'd like to help.
So, what must I do?
Do I blush? Play shy?
Do I say "Oh, please do, honey"?
"Yes, my love"?
I like "Yes, my love." Not bad at all.
A woman in love is helpless.
Like a begging dog.
Her tongue hanging out.
Slobbering.
Not a pretty sight.
-Are you nervous? -No.
Yes, you are.
Something to drink?
Champagne.
I was sure he'd be useful.
He knows someone at the Alcazar.
We can audition whenever we want.
Paris, here we come.
You find him attractive?
Balsan? With that face.
Liar. I bet you're hooked.
He's not as dumb as the others. And has connections.
We need a new song.
Something more chic.
And some money for new dresses.
Good work. He drank three bottles.
It's not that hard.
This way we're all happy.
What do you think? I'll whore around to fill your pockets?
Very well.
Violette.
-You know the "Coco" song? -Yes.
You'll sing it now.
Beat it. Don't ever come back. You neither.
Good going. How do we get new dresses now?
You're crazy.
The bastard asked for it. Hurry up.
I'm torpedo girl
See how I whirl
Touch me, but beware You stand no prayer
Not good at all.
On "I'm torpedo girl" we need something splashy.
Try lunging forward.
Go on, start over.
I'm torpedo girl See how I whirl
Touch me, but beware You stand no prayer
What are you doing?
It should be looser in the back.
You'll ruin it.
You need some room. To be comfortable.
Now try.
Will it hold? It's not a striptease.
You'd grab their attention.
Good morning, Coco.
Good morning.
Like seeing me work on all fours?
No.
This is a very nice model.
Can we speak?
Sorry, I'm in a rush.
It was hard to find you.
No longer working nights?
No.
You have some free time?
Hm?
I have an idea. Think before refusing.
How about dinner one night?
Recent convert to the cause of love?
Me?
-You're not my type. -Good.
Mademoiselle...
...you're not paid to chit-chat.
So?
Okay.
Very well.
See you soon. Madame, if I may, I find you stunning.
Not eating?
I don't like it.
I ate lots of it as a kid. Now it sickens me.
We were wealthy. Papa speculated in wine.
I thought you were an orphan.
For you, all singers are.
I didn't say that. Your sister told Maurice you were orphans.
I repeat what I hear.
She loves to tug at people's heartstrings.
No, in fact...
...I was Papa's favorite.
When Mama died, he went to America.
So I have a father. I'm not an orphan.
Being an orphan is no crime. If it were, I'd be rotting in jail.
I'm an orphan myself.
-Really? -My parents died two years ago.
-How sad. -A reason to rejoice.
I feel alive again.
We weren't speaking. Complicated family.
Did they hit you?
Goodness, no. Why?
That would have justified my anger.
In fact, I found them...
...lacking in imagination.
Deadly boring.
The aunts who raised me beat me and starved me.
I always hoped Papa would come back.
Poor Coco.
No, why?
Kids like you raised with nannies and whatnot...
...end up unhappy or retarded.
Retarded, yes. I couldn't agree more.
Look at me. Pathetic. I should have met you earlier.
Oh, Etienne!
That one...
...I should have met much later.
Too many feathers, too much makeup.
Too much everything.
How do you see yourself?
I mean....
I look like a whore.
My dress for the Alcazar.
The only nice thing about it was the flower.
Torpedo girl.
I'm torpedo girl
See how I whirl
Gentlemen, beware
You stand no prayer
It's fantastic
I'm electric
The prognostic
My dear gent Your every cent will be well-spent
We start next Tuesday.
We go on at 10, before the star.
Our own dressing room.
Our name on the door.
Undo this. I'm suffocating.
The Alcazar.
Fame and fortune will be ours.
Paris, here we come.
I can't sing with you.
What do you mean?
Maurice wants to marry me.
We'll be living near Paris.
I'll be a baroness.
So no more singing.
Look at me.
Barons don't marry girls like you.
You're dreaming, Adrienne.
You'll sing what we rehearsed.
No, I won't.
He knows Mama died and Papa sells pots and pans?
That you were abandoned at 9?
I hope you'll forgive me.
Hear my musical credo Pay on your way out
I'm an electrical torpedo I'II make you sing and shout
Touch me, feel the tingle Whether young or old
When our currents do commingle
One look and you'll be sold
I'm torpedo girl
See how I whirl
Gents, beware You stand no prayer
It's fantastic
I'm electric
Dear gent Your every cent will be well-spent
Thank you, miss.
-May l? -Of course.
Ladies.
Are you okay, Coco?
Forget about the Alcazar.
-I know someone at La Rotonde. -Enough's enough.
I came to say goodbye.
You're leaving?
-I'm going home. -You don't live here?
Thank God, no.
I owed a few weeks to the army.
I'm Parisian born and bred.
You live in Paris?
I live outside Paris, in Compiègne.
Very well.
Time for friends to part ways.
I'm glad we met.
Good luck, Coco.
-Mr. Balsan, please. -And you are...?
Gabrielle. Coco.
Good boy.
Coco?
What are you doing here?
My sister lives nearby.
Surprise visit, but she's out.
I remembered you lived around here.
Better than the train station.
Huh. And I was worried you missed me.
Joseph, if you would put Coco in the floral bedroom.
You're here now.
I can't lock you out.
After you.
You like books?
Rest assured, I haven't read any.
I want to show you something.
Coco, I want you to meet...
...my family.
Family, this is Coco.
Bow down.
My grandfather.
Founder of the Balsan dynasty. Great man.
The other Gabrielle I knew, before you.
Gabrielle Balsan.
No husband, no children, thank God.
You look alike.
How awful. You're right.
Remind me to take it down.
His name was Patellière. A crook, a cousin.
Thank God he died poor.
And this...
...is my bedroom.
Don't be shy.
The final hurdle.
Minouche won.
The race was incredible. I was very lucky.
Washington, not the president...
...had two false starts. Disqualified.
That's not all. Night Flight, the favorite, ran off track.
That left Minouche. She ran to the finish line.
Whizzed right by.
Like a rocket.
Am I speaking Chinese?
Here, you have to care about horses. Why aren't you ready?
I'd like to stay on.
What about your sister?
I forgot her address.
It's a bit complicated.
I have guests.
Some other time.
I'll be discreet.
Not my thing, Bluebeard locking women upstairs.
You won't know I'm here.
Fine.
Two days. No more.
You should try with a saddle.
I couldn't find one.
Can I learn in two days?
No way.
This thing is impossible.
-Someone may see you. -So what?
I can't let you.
What do I do, kick?
Come back. Pull the reins.
My friends. Dinner is served.
See that blonde? Jockeys have it made. Pays to be small and ugly.
Monsieur's latest catch is a shrimp.
The plates.
Joseph, serve the champagne.
Yes, sir.
Slice some truffles.
This napkin is dirty.
It's yours. Your ring.
My ring? Dirty napkins in a ring?
Yes, miss.
It's Bluebeard.
Here to claim his due.
Beware. Nothing I say can be used against me. Hm?
You were magnificent.
An angel of absence, seen by no one.
Heard by no one.
Leave me alone.
Where did my little mouse hide? Up in my attic.
Get off.
It was so boring. You can't imagine.
I'm hot.
My great-grandfather's cufflinks.
They give me the creeps. Help me.
No.
What do you mean?
Hold on.
Have you heard of Japan?
-Japan. -Obviously.
They have geishas. Ever heard of them?
They tend wholly to their men. They wash and dress them.
They remove their cufflinks.
Like slaves.
In a way. Come on, get to work.
Help take off my cufflinks.
Or else...
...back to the station.
Come on, give me a hand.
My little geisha.
Who'd abandon this poor creature? For so long?
Who's my little doll?
I'm big, I'm bad, I'm Bluebeard.
We'll meet here afterwards.
We're not together?
No, we're not. I'm stuck in the boxes.
Do you mind? But the lawn is fine, even better.
You don't have to listen to the boring gentry-folk.
I mean it.
Dynamite and Magic Dream, in the third.
They're my horses.
I thought you disappeared.
Get my letters? Why didn't you answer?
I was sulking.
Why are you here?
I'm with Balsan.
You live with him?
Of course I do. I live in a castle.
My own bathtub, big bed, servants fawning over me.
I do nothing all day.
This is wonderful. We're neighbors.
How is it going with your baron?
Very well. We're so in love.
We live in the shadows.
-He hides you? -No, we're getting married soon.
Like my dress? A gift from Maurice.
You must rake up mud with that train.
This style is all the rage in Paris.
It'll fit in perfectly up in the boxes.
Pfft! Look at them. Bored out of their wits.
Soon they'll kill to dine with us.
I'm glad you're up. We can say goodbye.
-Remember the chocolate. -In the basket.
I'm off. You'll be taken to the station.
-Are you okay? -Mm-hm.
Drop me a line sometime. Hm?
Any raspberry jam left?
Give some to her.
Homegrown. Delicious.
Come on, my friends, let's get going.
Your carriage is waiting.
I won't be going.
Whoa! Oh, oh, oh!
I'm sorry.
I wanted one last ride. He panicked.
You, on a horse?
I've always ridden. Riding saved me from suicide.
When my aunts used to hit me...
...I'd go out riding.
You call that riding?
I'm here, aren't l?
You kept your boy hidden.
To no avail.
Ladies and gentlemen, Coco.
Full of surprises. Some of them good.
Gorgeous costume.
You couldn't afford a riding skirt?
I'd be surprised that she lasts, whatever her name is.
She's charming, but lacking in frivolity.
I've eaten too much.
As pretty as ever.
That's kind of you.
Where's your jockey?
Racing. Good riddance.
-Already over? -We'll see.
He mounts me like a chimp.
Even in my dressing room.
I mean it.
And like all short men...
...he's well-endowed. It's exhausting.
You men are exhausting.
Exhausting perhaps, but indispensable.
That's true.
But I may prefer women.
-Liar. -You made me laugh.
Young man, what do you think?
What do you prefer?
Don't be afraid.
Go ahead.
Say something.
Speak up. Say what you think.
Skin is skin.
Well said.
How did you decide this?
I shut off the light.
Clever.
Charming.
Oh! On this note, allow me to propose a little brandy...
...and another round.
These amazone saddles are impractical. She's right.
You're very smart, mademoiselle.
We get put on top, like cherries on a cake.
He didn't give you the nicest room.
Even Maud had the blue room.
You're not his type.
Wear a corset. Be more feminine.
-This is cute. -Try it on.
Give me a hand.
You're prettier without it.
I feel totally naked.
You have a forehead, a nose, a mouth.
Where are you?
He can't be left alone for a second.
They'll think I can't afford feathers.
Not at all.
With this on, how can you think?
Think.
Or is it just an act?
Oh! Where did he find you?
Keep it.
What else prevents me from thinking? Go on, tell me.
Don't worry, I don't bite.
Get rid of all this.
It's fine for a carnival.
Without some adornments I'd feel poor.
She's a bit primitive.
I forgot to tell you. I'll be starring in "Joan of Arc."
You, playing a virgin?
Yes.
Leave some slack. Left, right.
Get it? Now let's try to gallop.
Close your right eye.
-I can't. -So close the left one.
-Close an eye. -Strange lesson.
It's very important. Keep one eye ready...
...in case you get mud in the other.
You know, what I just told you...
...is an old Balsan family secret.
I'll become the best rider around.
Could take months, if not years.
So what?
I should have been wary. Sent you back while I still could.
What is this outfit?
Where's the dress I gave you?
At my window. I felt like a walking curtain.
Too bad. You almost looked feminine.
Disappointed? They'll think I'm a cheap date.
Not bad.
Dear aunt, allow me to pay my respects.
Excellent, Etienne.
Take this, auntie.
They come less for the actress...
...than for the tart who ruined this count or that heir.
No one cares about my acting.
It's relaxing, like being a tourist attraction or a monument.
Ever get stage fright?
Yes, but less and less.
Not a good sign.
Come see the play. We perform every night.
Can you make me another hat?
-The first was a smash hit. -Of course.
By the way, bravo.
For the length of your stay.
You're breaking my record.
Soup's on.
Vintage 1882.
Worth swooning over.
I'm lodging a drunk.
So Balsan found you in a saloon?
Not at all.
It was an exclusive cabaret.
She has a marvelous voice.
Really? I'd love to hear you.
Yes. Come on, Coco, sing for us.
Does anyone know "Coco"?
Go on, sing.
Has anyone seen Coco? Coco in Trocadero?
Come on, sing.
Sing.
We're bored.
Aww!
Make an effort.
Make it look like you're having fun.
You're here to entertain. So sing.
She's accepted your invitation.
Ah!
Do you know "Coco"?
Or else, no more riding. Just bread and water.
Can I see?
Your book.
Even stupid books have some truth to them.
Think what the other books can teach you.
I was looking for you.
I knew I'd find you here.
Books are meant to be read, aren't they?
And horses to be mounted. Come on.
Coco. Get dressed.
You're elegant.
You all right?
Nothing scares you.
What's your name?
Gabrielle. But everyone calls me Coco.
They call me boy.
But in England, I'm Arthur Capel.
The problem with nicknames is that they stick.
You're stuck with it.
My father used to call me Coco.
He'd wake me up shouting, "cock-a-doodle-do."
It soon became Coco-doodle.
And it stuck.
Has any of you seen Coco?
Her big number at the saloon. Nice choice, right?
Her Coco, me Rico. Cocorico.
Am I interrupting?
I was admiring her style.
Ah, her style.
Don't overdo it or I'll lose my tailor.
She likes dresses with no corsets...
...shoes with no heels...
...hats with no feathers.
That's my Coco.
You're right to opt for simplicity.
You think so?
I like things when they overflow.
No meat on these bones.
Stop it.
No.
I disagree.
You're right.
Her look is rather pleasant.
Stick to your horse dung.
-Are you sick? -No.
So be nice. Get up, get dressed and come downstairs.
They're all waiting.
Good for them.
What's wrong, Coco? Hm?
I hate entertaining your degenerates.
I'm tired of your mood swings.
The lord of the manor is tired. What's new?
Don't use that tone.
-I'll speak as I please. -No!
Just shut up.
You're the boor.
Without your money you'd lose your friends.
Okay.
Forget it. Come down when you're calm.
I'll never calm down. What do you think?
Play with your rich scions, dumb jockeys and whores.
All I do is perfect my gallop and screw a drunk.
The gate's open. You're not forced to stay.
When people see us, I know they wonder...
...how can this elegant woman love such a fat man?
I'm not that fat. I'm losing weight at the moment.
Yes, but you're not very attractive.
I'm kind.
You're more than that.
You're understanding, talented, charming.
Such is my dilemma. My lover is more like a husband.
Okay, let me think.
You're not shapely...
...but you're attractive. And amusing.
There's Romain Neuville. Great family.
Cultivated. He'll show you around.
Get you out of the stables.
Who's this?
But he's not much fun.
I know a duke also. On the old side, but generous.
I want to work.
To make a living.
To be an actress.
You're too old to be an ingènue.
And work, what a strange idea.
You're famous. You know people.
You can find me something.
Something.... What did you do before Balsan?
Nothing. Some sewing.
That's easy enough to do in Paris.
Not a bad idea.
You're talented.
Everyone loves your straw hats.
You can work at a hat shop.
I don't want to.
You want, but you don't know what.
Émilienne, help.
Does Balsan know your plans?
Hurry back to the castle.
Tell him I asked you to come here.
Don't tell him you want to leave.
Tighter.
Don't take it badly.
Balsan is easygoing. You're lucky.
Make the most of it.
Lucky?
Hungry?
Muffins.
Perfectly tasteless.
The English adore them.
Boy, what about all that coal you had me buy?
Because with all due respect...