Potiche

Dir: François Ozon

2010

****

Potiche (Trophy Wife) is a typically theatrical affair from director François Ozon. Based on the stage play by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Gredy, it also includes ideas Ozon had when producers Eric and Nicolas Altmayer approached him to make a film about Nicolas Sarkozy and events he experienced when he followed the Socialist party candidate Segolene Royal during France's 2007 presidential campaign. However, this really isn't a political film as such, instead it compares political science and family relationships. That makes it sound rather boring but I promise you it isn't. The humour doesn't always hit the mark in my opinion but it certainly does have its moments. It's a little more than your typical French farce and if you like François Ozon then you'll like it and probably know what to expect. It's up there with my favourites of his and is just as good as his 2002 hit 8 Women. The cast are great, with notable performances from Gerard Depardieu, Jeremie Renier and Fabrice Luchini but frankly the film would be nothing without the beautiful Catherine Deneuve. Deneuve's performance is subtle but sassy, strong and adorable. It's easily my favourite of hers since 8 Women.