Long in the shadow of her husband, Jacques Chirac, President of the French Republic from 1995 to 2007, Bernadette Chirac one day entered the light and never came out again. Being an elected representative herself, she became a media darling, almost eclipsing her husband. It is on this pivotal moment, the one where Bernadette Chirac went from “wife of” to essential political and public personality, that the satire returns Bernadettemaking its North American premiere at the Cinemania festival, which will take place from 1er to November 12. In the title role, Catherine Deneuve is delightful as can be. An icon to embody another, in short. Proud of the film, the star confided in Duty.
“Obviously, I had a preconception in relation to her, in relation to Bernadette Chirac,” says Catherine Deneuve on the phone.
“I don’t know her personally: I may have met her two or three times, during official events, nothing more. But hey, the fact remains that she is very well known. However, as it was a comedy and it was very well written, I didn’t really hesitate. »
Léa Domenach, who co-wrote the film in addition to directing it, maintains in Bernadette a delicate balance between observation of morals, matrimonial farce and, obviously, political satire, with, here and there, a little commentary on social classes.
Often, the most improbable sequences are nonetheless based on a well-documented reality, and presented here as is (the escapades of the presidential driver) or in a barely rearranged manner (the crazy nightclub trip).
For the record, Léa Domenach’s father is Nicolas Domenach, a well-known journalist and political commentator in France, and who is notably the co-author, with Maurice Szafran, of the three-volume biography of Jacques Chirac. Knowing this, we can assume without a doubt that the filmmaker knew the subject thoroughly, and had done so for a long time.
Thus, beneath the satirical veneer, the facts revisited in the film are, for the most part, real.
I liked these real facts, and the fact that the film is based on them, on solid ground. I liked the mix of historical truth and comedy. And then, the tone is deliciously ironic.
“I liked these real facts, and the fact that the film is based on that, on solid ground. I liked the mix of historical truth and comedy. And then, the tone is deliciously ironic. »
Completely enjoyable
Bernadette is in this case the first feature film by Léa Domenach. In this regard, anyone who has, even if only a little, followed the illustrious career of Catherine Deneuve knows how much she enjoys collaborating with beginning authors, even if she could limit herself to working only with established filmmakers.
“In Léa’s case, she had done things before: several short films. His talent was obvious. These are things that can be perceived, that can be felt. There is an instinct…”
While it is true that Catherine Deneuve delivers great performances with admirable consistency, the fact remains that we have not felt her having so much fun since Poticheby François Ozon, released in 2010. Here again, it was a role of a humiliated woman who rebels against the marital, social and, yes, political diktats that have always been imposed on her.
This is even more evident in Bernadette, where the heroine refuses to remain wisely on the margins of History where we (starting with a husband not keen on sharing the spotlight) would like to confine her. “Well-bred women rarely make history,” said Pulitzer-winning historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich: it is clearly this philosophy that animates the Bernadette of Domenach and Deneuve.
Without losing an ounce of her good manners or renouncing one iota of this “old France” side that she admits to liking, Bernadette will therefore transform herself into a formidable obstacle to going in circles, both for her dear husband and for him. boys’ club which surrounds the latter.
From small personal victories to triumphs relayed by the news bulletins, Bernadette is jubilant and, it hits the screen, Catherine Deneuve too. Is there an increased pleasure in interpreting this type of rebellious character?
” Oh yes ! Absolutely ! Yes… It’s completely enjoyable to play that. The pleasure it gives! »
Meaningful costumes
Among other hilarious scenes, there is one that stars Olivier Breitman, in the role of famous designer Karl Lagerfeld. Annoyed that the first lady appears with her creations from, let’s say, several seasons ago, the indescribable fashion designer arrives at the Élysée to give Madame a makeover.
The episode is not simply anecdotal. In fact, in the film, the costumes tell in their own way the entire evolution of the protagonist, who first blends in with the proverbial flowers on the carpet, before then standing out wherever she goes.
Unsurprisingly, costumes are an essential component of the process for Catherine Deneuve.
“You know, the costumes, and you can feel it from the first fittings before filming, they bring you closer to the character. Certain costumes impose a certain gait, a certain way of holding oneself… In return, from these physical characteristics will arise attitudes, indications of a temperament…”
One thing is certain: his Bernadette does not lack temperament.
The film Bernadette will be presented at Cinemania on November 4 and 12 before hitting theaters on November 17.