Francois Ozon is one of my favorite working directors. I was unable to see Potiche when it hit theaters earlier this year in late spring, but I was finally able to catch up with it last week. Ozon is one of the true auteurs working today. From each of his flims you can point out his style, traits, and themes and tell that the film is his. He has two distinctive but similar styles that he has used throughout his filmography. The first is a darker and edgier style with dark themes usually about sexual repression which can be seen in films such as See the Sea, Swimming Pool, Criminal Lovers, Time to Leave and The Refuge. The second style is one of flamboyant camp which features an art design of bright colors and costumes which is noted in films such as 8 Women, Angel, and Water Burns on Dripping Rocks. These two styles do cross. For example, in Criminal Lovers there is a love scene that takes place in the woods when a lot of forest creatures are making love in a campy way. The rest of that flim though is rather dark. Potiche falls into the second category as it features camp, bright colors, bright costumes, and some dancing and singing.
The flim itself is fun. Catherine Deneuve gives a great performance as the matriarch of the Pujol family. The rest of the cast is star studded as well with famous French figures such as Gerard Depardieu and Jeremie Renier playing major roles in the film. There are no problems with acting around and like most Ozon the acting is somewhat over the top to create a comical tone. At the same time the performances are heartfelt in emotional scenes.
Potiche is Ozon's most political film. The plot centers around a union strike at the Pujol family factory. Mr. Pujol (played by Fabrice Luchini) is not willing to cooperate with the union and Mrs. Pujol instead steps in. Besides the obvious union-politics plot, Ozon takes a look at feminism and whether Mrs. Pujol should be the potiche (trophy wife) or if she should take a stronger role in family and run the factory.
Potiche is fun, enjoyable, and light comedy. Ozon hasn't quite made a masterpiece with Potiche (he might have made one in See the Sea) , but he has a made a strong film that continues upon his directorial style.
Grade: B+
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