Suzanne Pujol, like some women in her social position, was instrumental in starting the careers of the men they marry. That is, if the husband does not come from money, the thankful father-in-law made anything possible for the man who marry his princess to do well in life, even directing and managing the family business after his retirement, and giving him a taste of life of comfort he never knew.
This is basically the premise of Francois Ozon's "Potiche" which we caught in DVD format recently. It is based on a theater piece, probably one of those light comedies that are much loved by the French. The transfer to the screen is done with a look to the past, as only Mr. Ozon could have pulled and yet he opened the play in ways that show his intelligence toward the original material written for the stage by Pierre Barrillet and Jean-Pierre Gredy.
Mr. Ozon brings two of the most iconic stars of France to appear together in "Potiche". Catherine Deneuve is the embodiment of a star, if ever there was one. Gerard Depardieu is also seen as the man who once had a torrid affair with Suzanne. Fabrice Luchini is Robert Pujol, the lucky man that married a trophy wife. The sublime Karin Viard is wonderful as Nadege, Robert's long suffering secretary with whom he has been having a long affair. Jeremie Renier and Judith Godreche complete the Pujol family.
It is clear the message of "Potiche" is a feminist one. Suzanne, who led a somewhat serene life must act quickly if she wants to save her father's business from everything her husband Robert could not do himself. In the process she clearly shows a talent for business as well as politics. The best scene in the film shows Ms. Deneuve and Mr. Depardieu in a night club dancing something out of the disco era.
This is basically the premise of Francois Ozon's "Potiche" which we caught in DVD format recently. It is based on a theater piece, probably one of those light comedies that are much loved by the French. The transfer to the screen is done with a look to the past, as only Mr. Ozon could have pulled and yet he opened the play in ways that show his intelligence toward the original material written for the stage by Pierre Barrillet and Jean-Pierre Gredy.
Mr. Ozon brings two of the most iconic stars of France to appear together in "Potiche". Catherine Deneuve is the embodiment of a star, if ever there was one. Gerard Depardieu is also seen as the man who once had a torrid affair with Suzanne. Fabrice Luchini is Robert Pujol, the lucky man that married a trophy wife. The sublime Karin Viard is wonderful as Nadege, Robert's long suffering secretary with whom he has been having a long affair. Jeremie Renier and Judith Godreche complete the Pujol family.
It is clear the message of "Potiche" is a feminist one. Suzanne, who led a somewhat serene life must act quickly if she wants to save her father's business from everything her husband Robert could not do himself. In the process she clearly shows a talent for business as well as politics. The best scene in the film shows Ms. Deneuve and Mr. Depardieu in a night club dancing something out of the disco era.