Coco Chanel's life began in an orphanage and ended in the solitude of a room at the Ritz Hotel. In between, Coco, who came from humble beginnings, became the most influential fashion designer of the 20th century, whose practical, simple style remains impactful to this day. Edmonde Charles-Roux's biography, which remains unparalleled, serves as the basis for the film "Coco avant Chanel" (directed by Anne Fontaine), which premiered in German-speaking countries in mid-August 2009. Audrey Tautou ("Amélie") portrays this brilliant, self-centered, extremely ambitious woman, who was ruthless in commercial matters and hard on her own family, and who, despite her illustrious lovers and famous friends, was never truly happy.