Review of Potiche (1983) by Amilcar A — 17 Apr 2011

Potiche is based on a play but the outcome is more like an adaptation from a sitcom. Assuming sitcoms were not puritanical, stupid and had immense star power.

There is something unnecessary about Potiche. It feels empty and unimportant but somehow it prevails. You end up caring about the characters and feeling some level of empathy for all of them.

Based in France in the late 70's some of the discussions and topics seem so distant and outdated that it's hard to believe those same topics are alive and well around the world.

What's unique about the way Potiche handles the story is the demeanor. It's not combative or destructive but rather innocent and well intentioned. Obviously there are some bad guys, some douchebags and a heroine. However they all fee rather human and vulnerable.

I don't know why Potiche is not better. Maybe it's a bit too soft and could feel more bold. Maybe it's the fact it feels a bit outdated, particulalry for France.

Either way, a movie with such screen titans as Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu is unlikely to be terrible. While nothing exciting or out of the ordinary, Potiche works and is a better than average film.