Rated R, 103 minutes
In French with English subtitles.
In French, the word potiche is a term used for “trophy wife.” That is the subject of the entertaining French dramedy “Potiche,” starring legendary actors Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu. Set in 1977, Deneuve is the wife of a tyrannical factor owner (Fabrice Luchini), a despicable man both personally and professionally. Up until now she’s been a faithful, submissive wife, that is until he is held hostage by his employees and she ends up making some key business decisions for him, with assistance from the town’s mayor (Depardieu), with whom she had a fling years ago. Well-acted, funny and touching, Deneuve, now in her late 60s, is still a marvel as the woman who blossoms under less than ideal circumstances to become the person and woman she was meant to be. Based on a French play, the somewhat conventional story seems an unusual fit for young, unconventional French director Francois Ozon, but the feminist themes are brought out nicely. It’s also a treat seeing veteran French actors Deneuve and Depardieu together, who have a warm chemistry together, it’s worth seeing for that alone.
Wes’s Grade: B
Worth Seeing: Yes, especially for Deneuve and Depardieu fans.
In French with English subtitles.
In French, the word potiche is a term used for “trophy wife.” That is the subject of the entertaining French dramedy “Potiche,” starring legendary actors Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu. Set in 1977, Deneuve is the wife of a tyrannical factor owner (Fabrice Luchini), a despicable man both personally and professionally. Up until now she’s been a faithful, submissive wife, that is until he is held hostage by his employees and she ends up making some key business decisions for him, with assistance from the town’s mayor (Depardieu), with whom she had a fling years ago. Well-acted, funny and touching, Deneuve, now in her late 60s, is still a marvel as the woman who blossoms under less than ideal circumstances to become the person and woman she was meant to be. Based on a French play, the somewhat conventional story seems an unusual fit for young, unconventional French director Francois Ozon, but the feminist themes are brought out nicely. It’s also a treat seeing veteran French actors Deneuve and Depardieu together, who have a warm chemistry together, it’s worth seeing for that alone.
Wes’s Grade: B
Worth Seeing: Yes, especially for Deneuve and Depardieu fans.
