The President’s Wife

If you like French wine, French food, French fashion, you are going to love "The President's Wife", a 2023 French biographical comedy/drama.

Think of it as a souffle served with an exquisite glass of wine (full bodied, fruity, but with a touch of acidity). It is, indeed, a little cinematic gem that combines politics, pride, and human foibles. Even if you know nothing or care nothing about French politics of the mid 1990's, you are guaranteed to fall in love with Bernadette, the former First Lady of France and wife of President Jacques Chirac as she is played by France's First Lady of cinema, the indomitable Catherine Deneuve. She gives the expression "Cherchez la femme" a whole new meaning and dimension. Move over Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton, because here comes Bernadette Chirac. You will no doubt recognize some of the characters this movie assembles, like Nicolas Sarkozy, Hillary Clinton, or Dominique de Villepin.

In Lea Domenach's directorial debut, it is the woman behind the President who steals the heart of French voters, as well as ours. From the first scene it is obvious that a woman directed this film, as it consistently demonstrates a female sensibility throughout the 92 minutes which go by very quickly. There are no car chases, slapstick, or any special effects in this film, only a clever script delivered by some of the best French actors of today. Catherine Deneuve is definitely the film's greatest asset, but credit must also be given to Michel Vuillermoz playing Jacques Chirac, Sara Giraudeau playing the couple's daughter, Claude, and especially to Denis Podalydes playing Bernard Niquet, the chief of staff and communications director responsible for Bernadette Chirac's complete makeover.

The film tracks Bernadette's metamorphosis from being the woman who worked behind her husband to get him elected President to becoming a major media figure, not only as revenge for not being given the credit and position she deserved, but also as an act of self-affirmation and attempt to recognize her own value as a woman and as a politician. The question you will have in your mind when the film is over is why on earth France has not yet elected a woman President? You see, although Bernadette rebels against the social and political norms of the day, she truly loves her husband. (In one heart wrenching moment even forgives him for his sexual indiscretions. Sound familiar?) In fact, her politics and worldview are conservative. This is a study of how to change your public image with the help of a new wardrobe (Bernadette moves from wearing old fashioned kitschy-colored skirts to high end modern Chanel threads), a new speech pattern, and exploitation of the media.

This film takes a few liberties with the real-life characters, but it delivers the goods and is extremely entertaining.

Au-revoir at the Fountain Theatre!

July 11-17

The President’s Wife

Dir: Léa Domenach
92 min
French w/ subtitles Comedy/Drama/Biography NR

The Mesilla Valley Film Society has presented independent films at the iconic Fountain Theatre in Mesilla since 1989. The non-profit organization runs the arthouse cinema with help from community volunteers and local sponsors.

The Fountain Theatre is located at 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, 1⁄2 block south of the plaza in Mesilla. For more information about show times, tickets and the MVFS, go to www.mesillavalleyfilm.org