Review of Potiche (1983) by Cmc S — 31 Mar 2011
Like a "potiche", a decorative vase that merely sits on a shelf, Suzanne Pujol (Catherine Deneuve) is a trophy wife, who isn't valued for who she is or what she can do but rather for her beauty.
For decades she accepts her role, until her husband's poor management and illness force her to take on managing the family umbrella factory. Much to her family's surprise, she's a great businesswoman, fabulous with people and a good strategist as well.
The film takes place in the 70s, complete with period dress, encapsulating the entire women's movement. Suzanne goes from devoted mother and wife to businesswomen, feminist and politician, with her values simultaneously yielding along the way, so much so that she files divorce on her caricature of an arrogant, philandering husband and actually suggests to her daughter that she have an abortion (which suggestion is declined).
Not surprisingly, we discover over the course of the movie, that Mrs. Pujol's has never actually been what she appeared on the surface to be.
This review of Potiche (1983) was written by Cmc S on 31 Mar 2011.
Potiche has generally received positive reviews.
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