Marguerite, a film directed by Xavier Giannoli to a screenplay by Giannoli and Marcia Romano, is considered a comedy-drama. I find it to be more of a classic tragedy, concealed behind a comic façade.
Taking its inspiration from the real life story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the filmmaker set Marguerite’s plot to take place in France, during the Golden Twenties. Multilayered, the story explores a craving, art, society, deceit, relationships and love. At its heart stands Brunette Marguerite Dumont, beautifully played by Catherine Frot; a socialite who believes her voice is stage-worthy. Through good use of visuals and sound, Giannoli explores the relationships that everyone around Marguerite, including us, the audience, have with her character; how the perception of who she is and what she represents, morphs and develops. As a richly told tale, the filmmaker enables insights into some very basic, yet often overlooked, human traits and truths.
The supporting cast is terrific as is the art direction and camera work. Kudus all around are in place.