New Film Explores Maurice Ravel's Creation of 'Boléro' on His 150th Birthday

The movie delves into the life and struggles of the French composer, focusing on the origins of his iconic yet polarizing masterpiece.

Maurice Ravel's 'Boléro,' composed in 1928, remains one of the most famous works in classical music, though the composer himself dismissed it as lacking true musical substance.
The film 'Bolero,' directed by Anne Fontaine, intertwines the composition's creation with biographical elements of Ravel's life, including his personal challenges and inspirations.
Ravel's process for composing 'Boléro' involved influences from jazz, everyday sounds, and the mechanical rhythms of machines, reflecting his innovative approach to music.
The movie also highlights Ravel's complex relationships, his experiences during World War I, and his internal struggles as a perfectionist and doubter of his own work.
Set in 1920s Paris, the film features detailed period settings and strong performances, though some critics feel it lacks depth in exploring Ravel's psychological conflicts.