I’m not a huge fan of biopics — I think there are still so many stories that have yet to be told — however, I do understand their necessity, and how they are entertaining when the right story is told. After “Amelia” a few weeks ago, It seemed they were making movies without a proper script, just to profit off the name of a dead celebrity. Fortunately, with the help of a strong performance from Audrey Tautou, the biopic genre was saved by “Coco Before Chanel.”

In the story of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel (Audrey Tautou), we examine the personal life of the famous designer — a life that inspired her work. Coco and her sister are left orphaned by their disheartening father. The persistent Coco waits for her estranged father every week, but he never comes, and it becomes evident that Coco and her sister Adrienne (Marie Gillian) will have to look after each other.

We then skip ahead to the women, now all grown, singing in a cabaret of sorts, as drunk men swoon over their every move. Among the distasteful men is Étienne Balsan (Benoît Poelvoorde), a man who will soon become Coco’s lover, and will eventually change her life forever. Coco decides that she is going to live with Etienne in a situation that is never discussed, yet seems so natural. She spends most of her time locked up in a room as Mr. Balsan entertains guests. Like any bird, she strives to be free, and when the handsome English businessman Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel (Alessandro Nivola) arrives in her life, the attraction is instantaneous and as much as Coco tries to fight it, she falls in love.

I usually don’t worry about spoiling the endings to true stories, however, I did not know much about Coco Chanel’s life and I gather that most people will find themselves on that side of the equation, so I’ll leave it alone.

I knew the name but I was not very familiar with Anne Fontaine’s work. All that aside, I very much enjoyed “Coco Before Chanel.” I’d be lying if I said I gave a damn about fashion, so I’m glad Fontaine took a different approach while shooting this film. Focusing on the personal aspects of the woman who created a fashion empire, we get to see what made her who she really was, thus allowing us to appreciate her life.

Audrey Tautou is a talented actress and a beautiful woman, which doesn’t hurt our attention to her performance. With nothing to base this on, as I have never seen any footage of the actual Coco, Tautou’s take is incredibly revealing and very detailed. She tackles the role with such raw enthusiasm that I wouldn’t be surprised if her performance is recognized by the Academy this year.

I think “Coco Before Chanel” is definitely an entertaining film. I’m not saying you should brave the dangerous weather or drop your plans to see it, but if you have the time and you know how to appreciate talented filmmaking, please do so.