Potiche

(François Ozon/2010/France and Belgium)

Catherine Deneuve plays the title role of the trophy wife in this battle of the sexes comedy; set in the 60’s so that the context of male chauvinism can be exacerbated for laughs. It’s colourful, playful, fun and at times quite pointed about its theme of female emancipation. Deneuve is a treat as the downtrodden wife who takes full use of her opportunity to manage the family company when her husband is debilitated by a heart attack. In fact the story here is that she was never really downtrodden in the first place and has been happily carving out an independent life for herself outside of the box her husband has created for her. So she is more than capable of running the show when given the chance. The pacing is perfect and Deneuve’s character, Suzanne, is slowly revealed with subtle comic jabs throughout. Gérard Depardieu provides a decent foil but is somewhat lost at times and the husband Robert, played by Fabrice Luchini is excellent. The constant sparring between the son and daughter and between Robert’s mistress, Suzanne and Robert himself all adds to the fun.

(3.5/5)