FFF MOVIE REVIEW: MARGUERITE




4/5

Marguerite Dupont seems to have it all – great riches, a husband she loves and a passion for music. On the inside, she is striving for her husband’s attention and her love of singing gradually turns into an obsession. She arranges private recitals and, with the help of some new friends, who have dubious agenda, is training to step on the stage of the real opera house. There’s only one problem, however. Marguerite’s singing voice is terrible.

Placed in Paris of 1920 and inspired by the real life story of Florence Foster Jenkins, MARGUERITE is about a woman who would not let the truth to stand on the way of her desire to sing. Director Xavier Giannoli has a special interest in all things infamous. All his previous films examine the short distance between the infamy and fame and what one is capable of to step into the limelight. His Marguerite is an eccentric with a heart of gold - a strong performance by Catherine Frot, the actor whose status in France can only be compared with the one of Meryl Streep.

The movie is emotionally charged and finds a perfect balance between funny and sad. However it is a bit overloaded with characters and not every storyline has a desirable resolution. With a lengthy running time and multiple story arcs, MARGUERITE could become a perfect miniseries, which may happen in the future, considering the interest the directors have to Florence Foster Jenkins these days.


A little bit too long, but never boring, MARGUERITE is an exciting film that will hold your attention all the way – an achievement for any film these days. With an exceptional performance by Catherine Frot, the movie’s character study is impeccable and the real reason to see this period drama gem.

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