Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 7.5/10
Cast: Catherine Frot, André Marcon, Michael Fau, Christa Théret, Denis Mpunga, Sylvain Dieuaide, Aubert Fenoy, Sophia Leboutte, Théo Cholbi, Astrid Whettnall, Vincent Schmitt, Christian Pereira, Martine Pascal, Grégoire Strecker, Jean-Yves Tual, Boris Hybner, Pierre Peyrichout, Joël Bros, Lucie Strourackova, Petra Nesvacilová, Lubos Veselý, Damian Odess-Gillett, Jaroslav Smíd, Iva Paulusova, Jean-Marie Frin, Artemio Benki.
How we deal with the delusions of grandeur in others, even if they cannot see it for themselves is to witness sometimes just how cruel a species we can be, just how far we can allow the unheard ridicule to go; sometimes the effect of such treatments can be devastating.
Such cruelty is at times perhaps necessary, it can bring to the senses the sharp shock needed to understand that to have doubts is normal, it is only in the illogical that such doubts remain unheard and whilst there are some who will just openly laugh at the person and take delight in the misinterpretation of art, some will actively go out to destroy it and the person who only wants to hear pleasure.
Loosely inspired by the life of American socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, Marguerite is Xavier Giannoli’s loving testament to the esteemed nature of self denial, of unheard ridicule and whilst the operatic and classical singing involved in the film is particularly and sensationally off-key, the story itself is one that captures a piece of your heart and throws dynamite at the ears; it is a story that is only enhanced even further by the delightful Catherine Frot appearing in all her warmth as the eponymous Marguerite.
The destruction of operatic gems might be too much for some to bear, certainly as you watch the staff in the house place cotton wool in their ears, a pang of artistic jealousy is certain to appear, however in Catherine Frot’s delightful and sensible character, that is soon forgotten as the truth of her situation becomes clear, this is just a woman who wanted to please people by giving them something real to hang onto.
With the excellent Michael Fau urging the audience to take the joke on even further as her vocal coach, the divine Christa Théret supplying the other end of the musical spectrum with great ability and Denis Mpunga as Marguerite Domont’s seemingly benevolent and assuring butler, Marguerite takes the high road to some very low places but always delivered with charm and bags of affection.
The music may grate but the film will have audiences applauding for more from both this fine cast and Xavier Giannoli, Marguerite is a film worth singing the praises of.
Ian D. Hall