Film, play, novel. This week’s editor’s picks for top things to watch and read.
Revenge of the first lady
When Jacques Chirac entered the Élysée in 1995, his wife, Bernadette, intended to install herself as first lady. But the president and his court mock his opinion, the employees of the “Castle” consider him old-fashioned and gloomy, and his daughter Claude, her father’s adviser, monopolizes him. So, Bernadette, all the same, decides to take her place with the help of a counselor who, put in the closet for years, sees the opportunity to finally be heard and respected. If the historical facts and characters are derived from our reality (the second round against the FN in 2002, the dissolution of the National Assembly, the friendship with David Douet…), this first feature film by Lea Domenach is a pseudo-biography: she was inspired by her famous heroine’s public persona to pull strings, imagine behind the scenes and push the satire. In her rousing performance in Francois Ozon’s Potiche, Catherine Deneuve relishes portraying this deliciously understated character who’s determined to enhance her image with multiple Chanel makeovers and PR stunts. His ping-pongs with Denis Podalides are exhilarating, the other supporting roles are smartly chosen (Michelle Vuyermoz, Sarah Giraudeau, etc.), and the comedy turns out to be quite enjoyable. M.L.
CargoBy Léa Domenach, with Catherine Deneuve, Denis Podalides…
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Sophie Marceau is in Note:
Sophie Marceau and Francois Berlean star Note: DAVID FARRELL
He is rarely on stage. During the career of Sophie Marceau, four plays: Eurydice, by Jean Anouille, directed by Georges Wilson in 1991, Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, Bernard Murat in 1993, Une histoire d’âme by Ingmar Bergman, Bénédicte Ako… After a twelve-year absence, this the actress chose the composition for her comeback. Note:, a play written and directed by Audrey Shebat. Alongside him at the Bouffes-Parisiens is François Berleand, a regular on the stage since early 1973, who returns to the theater of his recent successes, such as 88 times infinite, with Nils Arestrup. If the Marceau-Berlean duet is the first in the theater and cinema, the two actors have already toured together. Happiness never comes aloneby James Huth, released in 2012. The volume of creation comes down to one question. “Can we leave everything without leaving a goodbye note?” Renowned psychoanalyst Julien intended that internationally renowned pianist Maud would not forgive him. Based on this argument, the author writes a version. The post becomes a night, a space-time where the couple takes stock of their time together, interweaving intimate trusts with anger and humor. One night to influence their destiny… L.K.
Note:, directed by Audrey Shebat, at the Bouff-Parisiens Theater in Paris. bouffesparisiens.com
Fatal transparency
Lilia Hasein, PanoramaEditions Gallimard Francesca Mantovani editions Gallimard
To end violence, especially within the family, France has opted for a panoramic society where everyone can see (and monitor) what happens between their neighbors thanks to vivarium houses made entirely of glass. However, the unthinkable happens: the family disappears. The investigation is led by “flikes” while his relationship crumbles. This thriller finds its charm in the description of a supposedly utopian world and criticism of any system that promises complete security, which can only be an illusion. An ode to freedom played with noise. IP:
Panoramaby Lilia Hassaine, Éditions Gallimard, 240 p., €20.
Source: Le Figaro
