Review of Potiche (1983) by Stuart K — 05 Sep 2012

Directed by François Ozon, (8 Women (2002) and Swimming Pool (2003), adapted from the play by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Grà (C)dy, this is an amusing and silly French farce that got popularity in the UK when Orange subtitled it their way in some cinema adverts.

Now that you can see what they're saying, it's an OK film, it does stuggle to hold your attention, but it captures the period it's set in quite well. In 1977, in a rural part of France, Suzanne Pujol (Catherine Deneuve) is the housewife, (or Potiche, as they call it in France) of local businessman Robert Pujol (Fabrice Luchini), who owns an umbrella factory in town.

But, there's trouble when the local work force go on strike, and won't compromise with Robert, much to the concern of the local mayor Maurice Babin (GÃ (C)rard Depardieu), who tells Robert how bad the strike will be for the town.

Then, Robert is taken ill, and is unable to negotiate anything with the workers, not that he would. So, Suzanne ends up becoming the boss and she sorts out the union dispute and breathes new life into the factory along the way, much to Robert's ire, and Maurice takes a liking to her, as they used to go out years ago.

It's a silly comedy but it's firmly grounded in theatrical roots, with long takes in a single setting, but despite capturing the kitschness and gaudiness of the 1970's, and the cast giving wonderfully silly performances, there's something missing, it's lacking a certain something.