The scene that opens Chevalier sums up the whole approach of the new biopic. A young and arrogant Mozart is playing to an enraptured crowd when a voice pipes up from the audience belonging to an upcoming composer named Joseph Bologne. He asks if he can join the stage, prompting an enthralling violin duel (think a rap battle, but with wigs and strings) from which he emerges as the clear winner. Mozart’s response? "Who the fuck is that?" as the film cuts to the Chevalier title card.
It’s a killer opening and one that boldly warns audiences that this is not your typical period drama. Chevalier has a different motive up its sleeves: introducing you to one of the great yet forgotten composers of all time.
