Podium (2004)

Bernand Fréderic is a mediocre bank executive, married, with a son. He used to have another profession: look-a-like of French star Claude François. Now, with the Imitators Gala Night coming... See full summary »

Director:

Yann Moix

Writers:

Olivier Dazat, Yann Moix (novel)

Stars:

Benoît Poelvoorde, Jean-Paul Rouve, Julie Depardieu

3 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Benoît Poelvoorde	...	Bernard Frédéric
Jean-Paul Rouve	...	Couscous
Julie Depardieu	...	Véro
Marie Guillard	...	Vanessa
Anne Marivin	...	Anne
Odile Vuillemin	...	Odile
Nadège Beausson-Diagne	...	Nadège
Nicolas Jouxtel	...	Sébastien
Olivier Mag	...	Claude David
Evelyne Thomas	...	Herself / Elle-même
Karine Lyachenko	...	Jacqueline
Bruno Abraham-Kremer	...	Monsieur Lombard
Dominique Besnehard	...	Le psychologue
Armelle	...	Laure
Thomas Derichebourg	...	Le garçon restaurant à volonté

Storyline

Bernand Fréderic is a mediocre bank executive, married, with a son. He used to have another profession: look-a-like of French star Claude François. Now, with the Imitators Gala Night coming up, he must choose between his wife or the only thing that makes him fully happy: the applause.

---

Plot Keywords:

bank | one word title | local blockbuster | flashback | bathtub | 

---

Taglines:

Name: Bernard Frédéric. Job: Claude François.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Music

---

Details

Country:

Belgium France

Language:

French

Release Date:

11 February 2004 (Belgium)

Also Known As:

O sosias

Filming Locations:

Paris, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$745,639 (Belgium), 13 February 2004

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fidélité Productions,K2 SA,TF1 Films Production

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Bernard Frédéric appears in the 2006 film "Jean-Philippe" directed by Laurent Tuel.

---

Alternate Versions

A 2-hours version, edited by the director Yann Moix, is available on the special 3-DVD box set of the movie

---

Connections

Referenced in Jean-Philippe (2006)

---

Soundtracks

Alexandrie Alexandra (sequential mix)
Performed by Claude François

User Reviews

French Idol for Masters. A true treat in the genre, and above all, funny and charming.

Podium. Directed by Yann Moix. ***

I haven't had this much fun for a while!

Courtesy of the 8th French Cinema Tour, "Podium" just hit theaters in a festival-like run here; Oh! I got so lucky! It's such a funny comedy, one of the best I've seen coming out of La France, and one of the best of the year for sure.

Benoit Poelvoorde is Belgium's national treasure for sure. He's performance is outstanding; he played Bernard Fréderic with such emotion, wit and realism that I'm gonna be real mad if he doesn't get a Best Actor nomination at the Cesars. The thing that is so great, is that his character is hateful and charismatic at the same time. He believes he's a star, so he starts acting like one: mean and rudely. He's a great singer and dancer too (maybe Kevin Spacey could borrow him some ideas).

Great writing, solid direction, hot French chics (or according to Bernard, "sexual bombs") in a comedy that smartly explores the obsession for fame, celebrity and pop idols. You won't regret if you watch it. Believe, it is worth it.

The tribute to French super star, Claude Francois is there, making the whole thing nostalgic. And one more thing... perhaps Americans should keep their hands out of it, and not starting to think about a remake. I suppose it will start its international commercial run in 2005, so where it's available, don't miss it!

7/10