Running through the Parisian woods, Suzanne Pujol (Catherine Deneuve) resembles what Little Red Riding Hood would look like in 50 years. Juxtaposing her luscious green environment, she is wrapped head to sneaker in red cotton. Talking to the birds, deer and squirrels that inhabit the forest, much like a crazy cat lady, she scribbles away at sweet nothings in her matchbox-sized notepad. However, upon entering her home the audience is privy to the harsh reality of “Potiche,” when her husband complains about her looks, his breakfast and her worry for his health.
The perfect arrogant gentleman, Mr. Robert Pujol (Fabrice Luchini) is head of the umbrella company started by Suzanne’s father. Nevertheless, he remains an ungrateful self-righteous tyrant too concerned with his own life to care for his daughter’s career aspirations or his sons struggling sexual identity. Set in 1977, the debate about workers rights is a hot topic. And thanks to his heated temper Robert becomes a hostage during a protest against the company. But with some crafty work by his wife and Mayor Babin (Gerard Depardieu), who just happens to be his arch rival, Robert is released.
But, being the uptight, pompous alpha male, he soon falls sick. It is then that the role of caretaker for the business and family is thrust upon an unwilling Suzanne. While she reluctantly accepts, it soon becomes clear she is much more than the “queen of kitchen appliances” as she once referred to herself as.
“Potiche” is stuffed with French acting royalty in the form of Deneuve, who portrays the vague Suzanne, and her counterpart, represented in the form of the now hulking Depardieu. However, the best performance comes from a much understated Judith Godrèche, who plays Suzanne’s daughter. Also standing out against the much more seasoned actors is Jérémie Renier, who was launched into fame by the surprise television movie hit “A Love To Hide.”
Overall, the cast fills out the subtle nuances of each individual character brilliantly, while complementary colors and abstract set designs keep the eyes entertained. “Potiche” is a realistic portrayal of what a woman in 1977 had to do to get to the top. Along the ride, audiences are exposed to a plethora of asymmetrically composed scenes, sarcastic rhetoric, sexual tension and political sabotage.
