Review of Potiche (1983) by Matt D — 19 Aug 2011
There is just enough substance in the light-weight French farce, Potiche, to make it a rewarding watch. Catherine Deveuve (8 Women, Dancer in the Dark, Indochine) plays the "trophy wife" (a potiche), Suzanne, of a tyrannical factory owner, Robert Pujol (Fabrice Luchini), in 1977 France.
When he has a heart-attack, she steps-up to fill his shoes to appease the striking factory workers. The workers embrace this new manager and she endears herself to the workers ... much to the chagrin of her husband who wants to make his own money.
Complicating things, Suzanne's former lover is a local Union representative (Gerard Depardieu - Green Card, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Man in the Iron Mask), whom Mr. Pujol thinks is calling the shots.
Set in the time of the beginnings of women's lib in Europe, Suzanne plays her part while caring enough for social conventions that she never abandons those who still need her. The film's opening scene has Suzanne taking a jog in a track suit while she talks and sings to animals .
.. and it was very Snow White. She is a trophy wife without doubt; but she has depth and intelligence. Francois Ozon (Swimming Pool, 8 Femmes) gives us another liberated woman with Potiche. It is lighthearted French fluff .
.. much like a meringue.
This review of Potiche (1983) was written by Matt D on 19 Aug 2011.
Potiche has generally received positive reviews.
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