Find a Theater Near You Press Page

Potiche (Trophy Wife)

Watch Trailer
Watch Trailer
Overview

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).

Reactions, Awards & Festivals

"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

Cast & Crew
  • Suzanne : Catherine Deneuve
  • Babin : Gérard Depardieu
  • Robert : Fabrice Luchini
  • Nadège : Karin Viard
  • Joëlle : Judith Godrèche
  • Laurent : Jérémie Renier
  • Spanish truckdriver : Sergi Lopez
  • Geneviève Michonneau : Evelyne Dandry
  • André : Bruno Lochet
  • Young Suzanne : Elodie Frégé
  • Young Babin : Gautier About
  • Young Robert : Jean-Baptiste Shelmerdine
  • Flavien : Noam Charlier
  • Stanislas : Martin de Myttenaere
  • Director : François Ozon
  • Screenplay : François Ozon, Barillet & Grédy (play)
  • Producers : Eric Altmayer and Nicolas Altmayer
  • Cinematography : Yorick Le Saux
  • Editor : Laure Gardette
  • Casting : Sarah Teper, Leila Fournier, and Mickael de Nijs
  • Production Design : Katia Wyszkop
  • Costumes : Pascaline Chavanne
Technical Info
  • Production Year : 2010
  • Release Date : March 25, 2011
  • Countries of Production : France
  • Languages : French
  • Running Time : 103 minutes
  • Screen Ratio : 1.85:1
  • Sound : Dolby Digital
  • Color : Color
  • Rating : R For Some Sexuality
DVD/Blu-Ray Special Features

Making of Potiche

Theatrical Trailer

70s Trailer

Costume Tests