This is a film I completely missed when it was released in ’23. That might be because French films rarely cross the language barrier in Belgium, and it didn’t get much attention in Flanders (where we were living at the time). I would’ve definitely gone to see it in the cinema back then. Luckily, I have you, Dan, to remind me of movies like this! Just saw that it’s available digitally now. I know a bit about French politics, but almost nothing about Bernadette Chirac — so I’m really looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing!
I watched it yesterday evening and absolutely loved it. I’ve seen a few videos of the real Bernadette Chirac, and it’s uncanny how perfectly Catherine Deneuve captures even the smallest details that define Bernadette’s personality.
Do you know what kind of version was released in the US, dubbed or subtitled? I watched it in the original French, and only realized after it started that there were no Flemish subtitles available. Luckily, I’m married to a Walloon and live in the French-speaking part of the country, so my French is good enough to enjoy the movie fully. Some of the humor is just so very French, I laughed out loud a few times!
All in all, it’s a great film, and I really enjoyed it. My only remark is that the ending felt a bit strange. Chirac was implicated in several scandals (and I’m not talking about the one involving the Italian dancer), and by the end of his career, he was largely ostracized from French political life. The film doesn’t really dive into that, maybe they’re saving it for a sequel 😁😁😁, but it’s a shame, because that part of his story is essential to understanding not only Jacques Chirac but also the political culture of that era. It could’ve been interesting to see how Bernadette dealt with the tarnishing of their name and the bribery scandals.
Interesting! The version I watched was English subtitled. I knew nothing about the Chirac's (we can often be pretty ignorant of what's going on in the rest of the world here...) It sounds like the filmmaker was trying to focus on one period rather than covering his early and later years. Did those scandals occur after he was in office? Sounds like a sequel is necessary. I'd love to see more Bernadette!
He served two terms as President of France and was succeeded by Sarkozy, who, you know, plays a prominent (and somewhat ridiculed) role in the movie. (I do love how they zoom in on his height, which was a major source of frustration for him). 😃
By the time he ended his presidential career, his popularity had already declined, and several scandals emerged afterward. Most of them were covered by presidential immunity (yep, they have that in France too 😃), but he was eventually convicted for something that happened during his time as mayor of Paris.
I got the impression the filmmakers didn’t want to delve into that part of the story. There’s a very strong left-right divide in France, it’s always been that way, historically (they did invent the left-right divide during the French Revolution 😃), so maybe it just felt like too sensitive a topic. You’re always stepping on someone’s toes.
Wow! Sounds like there is definitely more story tell! I'm somewhat familiar with Sarkozy whose wife appeared in Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris but clearly there's more for me to learn! Thanks!
The series “Dix Pour Cent” (English title is “Call My Agent!”) saved my sanity during the pandemic. It’s oh-so-French! it’s hilarious - the actors are terrific plus there are some interesting cameos by American entertainers. It’s still streaming on Netflix.
I hope “The President’s Wife comes to a streaming service after its theatrical run here. Definitely going on my watch list!
Nope. It’s a comedy. Plot is based on the messy relationships between employees at a French talent agency, their demanding off-kilter clients and each other. Here is a free article about ir from the Guardian:
Thanks for this! I love French films and particularly Catherine Deneuve. My husband grew up in Geneva, very very close to the French border, so he of course remembers the Chirac times. It's going to be interesting to watch this when available. Do you know whether it will be released on streaming platforms?
They've not announced a streaming date yet although I'd imagine it would be relatively soon as the film has been around for a couple of years. It's only now get a release here in the U.S. I'd love to hear what you guys think once you've seen it!
Very enjoyable film and watching Deneuve is sheer pleasure. So glad I got to see it.
This is a film I completely missed when it was released in ’23. That might be because French films rarely cross the language barrier in Belgium, and it didn’t get much attention in Flanders (where we were living at the time). I would’ve definitely gone to see it in the cinema back then. Luckily, I have you, Dan, to remind me of movies like this! Just saw that it’s available digitally now. I know a bit about French politics, but almost nothing about Bernadette Chirac — so I’m really looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing!
Oh good! I'd love to hear what you think after seeing it.
I watched it yesterday evening and absolutely loved it. I’ve seen a few videos of the real Bernadette Chirac, and it’s uncanny how perfectly Catherine Deneuve captures even the smallest details that define Bernadette’s personality.
Do you know what kind of version was released in the US, dubbed or subtitled? I watched it in the original French, and only realized after it started that there were no Flemish subtitles available. Luckily, I’m married to a Walloon and live in the French-speaking part of the country, so my French is good enough to enjoy the movie fully. Some of the humor is just so very French, I laughed out loud a few times!
All in all, it’s a great film, and I really enjoyed it. My only remark is that the ending felt a bit strange. Chirac was implicated in several scandals (and I’m not talking about the one involving the Italian dancer), and by the end of his career, he was largely ostracized from French political life. The film doesn’t really dive into that, maybe they’re saving it for a sequel 😁😁😁, but it’s a shame, because that part of his story is essential to understanding not only Jacques Chirac but also the political culture of that era. It could’ve been interesting to see how Bernadette dealt with the tarnishing of their name and the bribery scandals.
Interesting! The version I watched was English subtitled. I knew nothing about the Chirac's (we can often be pretty ignorant of what's going on in the rest of the world here...) It sounds like the filmmaker was trying to focus on one period rather than covering his early and later years. Did those scandals occur after he was in office? Sounds like a sequel is necessary. I'd love to see more Bernadette!
He served two terms as President of France and was succeeded by Sarkozy, who, you know, plays a prominent (and somewhat ridiculed) role in the movie. (I do love how they zoom in on his height, which was a major source of frustration for him). 😃
By the time he ended his presidential career, his popularity had already declined, and several scandals emerged afterward. Most of them were covered by presidential immunity (yep, they have that in France too 😃), but he was eventually convicted for something that happened during his time as mayor of Paris.
I got the impression the filmmakers didn’t want to delve into that part of the story. There’s a very strong left-right divide in France, it’s always been that way, historically (they did invent the left-right divide during the French Revolution 😃), so maybe it just felt like too sensitive a topic. You’re always stepping on someone’s toes.
Wow! Sounds like there is definitely more story tell! I'm somewhat familiar with Sarkozy whose wife appeared in Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris but clearly there's more for me to learn! Thanks!
I can’t wait to see this!
The series “Dix Pour Cent” (English title is “Call My Agent!”) saved my sanity during the pandemic. It’s oh-so-French! it’s hilarious - the actors are terrific plus there are some interesting cameos by American entertainers. It’s still streaming on Netflix.
I hope “The President’s Wife comes to a streaming service after its theatrical run here. Definitely going on my watch list!
I don't know that series. Is it based on the French President?
Nope. It’s a comedy. Plot is based on the messy relationships between employees at a French talent agency, their demanding off-kilter clients and each other. Here is a free article about ir from the Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/feb/26/call-my-agent-a-laugh-out-loud-tour-through-top-notch-french-cinema
Thanks for this! I love French films and particularly Catherine Deneuve. My husband grew up in Geneva, very very close to the French border, so he of course remembers the Chirac times. It's going to be interesting to watch this when available. Do you know whether it will be released on streaming platforms?
They've not announced a streaming date yet although I'd imagine it would be relatively soon as the film has been around for a couple of years. It's only now get a release here in the U.S. I'd love to hear what you guys think once you've seen it!
Thank you!