The President’s Wife (Bernadette) (2023)
What a delightfully wicked comedy drama The President’s Wife is! Bernadette Chirac, the wife of the former French President Jacques Chirac, has for years been overshadowed by her politically astute husband. But she’s had enough. It’s time for her to carve her own path. While some controversial creative liberties are taken by the filmmakers (not everything is true to the facts), it does draw its inspiration from the real life of Bernadette, who was a prominent figure in French public life. As it does so, it explores some of the challenges faced by women in politics and how difficult and complex it is to balance personal life with one’s public image.
Catherine Deneuve is captivating as Bernadette, and she embraces the character and beautifully manages the witty and satirical script. She reminded me of our iconic actresses like Judi Dench or Maggie Smith.
The exploration of gender roles and expectations is delightfully satirised. The photography is stylish and visually appealing, and the thought-provoking commentary on politics and media is incisive and, sometimes, laugh-out-loud funny. And the whimsical musical numbers add a lovely charm. It was a gentle joy to watch.
Some of the plot points felt a bit predictable. And the pacing was a bit uneven in some parts of the movie. And I think the film could have gone quite a bit deeper into the political implications of its themes. There are so many of these themes that are worth discussing: the complex nature of marriage and partnership; the pursuit of personal fulfilment and independence; the blurred lines between public and private life; and the corrosive effects of power and ambition. This is a movie that would be worth catching up with friends for a coffee afterwards for a chat.
The President’s Wife is a highly entertaining and thought-provoking movie. I enjoyed it. If you are interested in politics, social commentary, and character-driven dramas, this one will be for you. The movie’s sharp wit, combined with Deneuve’s stellar performance, elevates this one above the average political satire.