Having seen Streep in the American take on this theme ("Florence Foster Jenkins"), it was intriguing not only to see what a major French actress does with this, but how the story works in a French context, where the rich woman is married to an aristocrat (in a familiar trade-off of money for a title) and has to deal with minor local notables, never mind hints of either anarchism or Surrealism (or is it both?) and hints of a period gay scene. The most intriguing (and endearing) character here is literally subservient but proves to have immense authority and strength as time goes on. Why the sub-plot with the talented young singer at the start, I never quite got, though she was intriguing enough. As with the American film her companion's real love for her despite his profound embarassment is the main charm, and possibly the theme, of the film. The bad singing here is REALLY bad (hard to believe Frot did it - it takes a pro to go that off-key). But music lovers will be rewarded with some really lovely music as well. Overall, it's an endearing and colorful film, and an intriguing variation on a theme for those who have seen both.
Review of Marguerite
