Simply put Kelvin Harrison Jr. is phenomenal in Chevalier.
We screened the film in Toronto during the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival and was blown away by the actors performance. Since we’ve been anxiously awaiting the films release and the opportunity to speak with Harrison about the role.
The film, directed by Stephen Williams is based on composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, who rises to heights in French society as a composer before an ill-fated love affair.
Harrison told Hiphollywood playing the violin and learning were two of the he said yes to the role.
“There was a black man in a wig playing a violin and fencing. I thought this was going to be pretty fun to play,” he joked. “I played with violin when I was seven, and I did that for a little bit, and then obviously, I played, like, piano and trumpet. I say obviously as if everyone knows that. But I played piano and trumpet for most of my life until I started acting.”
He added, “Actors love character roles. I specifically love a character role. And when you get into the research, you get blown away by what this man was able to accomplish under the circumstances that he existed.”
But while the role was fun it was also emotional for Harrison who admitted he got choked up during his final performance scene.
“It’s just the overwhelming nature of having community that wants to see you, that wants to root for you, be there to support you. And it feels so good to be in your place. It feels so good to be yourself and doing the thing you love versus doing it to appease other people and making it so transactional. And I did almost cried a few times. But Steven didn’t want too many tears.”
Chevalier, also starring Samara Weaving, Minnie Driver and Ronke Adekoluejo is in theaters now.
