In Potiche, it’s 1977 and women’s liberation is in the air but Suzanne (Catherine Deneuve) is still the self-effacing, elegant housewife of wealthy industrialist Robert Pujol (Fabrice Luchini). Pujol oversees his umbrella factory with an iron fist and is equally tyrannical with his children and & trophy housewife; When the workers go on strike and take Robert hostage, Suzanne steps in to manage the factory. To everyone’s surprise, she proves herself a competent and assertive woman of action. Her new role throws her back in touch with union leader Gerard Depardieu, a romantic fling from the past that still has sparks. When Robert returns from a restful cruise looking to reassert himself, things get complicated. Directed with superb style by François Ozon (“Swimming Pool”) and based on the popular 1970’s French stage play by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Gredy (Cactus Flower).
"Delightfully empowering and relevant, Deneuve gets her best role in years, and she plays it to the hilt."
New York Observer
"With a frothy, sophisticated, quick-witted script, Mr. Ozon’s film follows in the tradition of the American screwball comedies of the 1940s. And the transformation of Suzanne …is a joy to behold in one of the most finely tuned, raciest and most gripping performances of Ms. Deneuve’s career."
The New York Times
"A tremendously elegant piece of fun…"
YesGuardian
BAFTA Film Award 2012 Nominee - Best Film Not in the English Language
César Awards 2011 Nominee - Best Actress, Catherine Deneuve
César Awards 2011 Nominee - Best Supporting Actress, Karin Viard
César Awards 2011 Nominee - Best Adapted Screenplay
European Film Awards 2011 Audience Award Nominee - Best Film
Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists 2011 Silver Ribbon Award Nominee - Best European Director, François Ozon
Venice Film Festival 2010 - Official Selection
Venice Film Festival 2010 Golden Lion Award Nominee - François Ozon
Toronto International Film Festival 2010 - Official Selection
Making of Potiche
Theatrical Trailer
70s Trailer
Costume Tests
