Film Overview"Madame" is a 2017 French romantic comedy-drama movie directed by Amanda Sthers. Set in Paris, the movie revolves around the life of a rich American couple living in the city and their misadventures surrounding a supper party. The lead role is played by Toni Collette as the wealthy American woman, Anne, and Harvey Keitel as her other half, Bob. Co-star Rossy de Palma plays the essential character of Maria, the Spanish house maid.
Plot SummaryBob and Anne Fredericks, royalty figures in the Parisian social scene, are a wealthy American couple battling with infidelity and financial debt. To preserve one's honor and impress their prominent pals, they set up a luxurious dinner party at their personal mansion. Nevertheless, they discover themselves in a predicament when the visitor list extends from twelve to thirteen - an unfortunate number. To prevent misfortune, Anne firmly insists that their Spanish housemaid Maria disguises as a mysterious Spanish noblewoman and fill in as the fourteenth guest.
Unwillingly, Maria agrees to become part of Anne's plan, where she is changed into a sophisticated aristocrat for the evening. Things take an unexpected turn when David, an art broker, falls head over heels for Maria. Unconcerned to Maria's genuine identity, David continues to woo her, resulting in Maria getting knotted in a misleading romantic relationship.
Character Dynamics and ThemesUnder the guise of a wacky romantic comedy, Madame discuss styles of class and status, and the lengths to which individuals will go to keep their social image. Anne, insecure about her stopping working marital relationship and identified to maintain her social eminence, orchestrates the entire plan, making Maria a pawn in her video game. Bob, dealing with his installing debt, plays along with Anne's charade oblivious to the effects.
Maria, as the naïve and delicate housemaid captured between her loyalty to her companies and her newfound love, brings depth to her character, making the audience root for her. David, faced with the issue of picking between his love and social credibility, becomes an example of the struggle in between heart and social expectation.
Conclusion and ResolutionAs Maria's secret identity threatens to be revealed, Anne tries to control the scenario, resulting in a series of humorous and unfortunate occasions. Eventually, Maria breaks down and confesses her actual status to David. Regardless of the discovery, David decides to select his love for Maria over his social image, challenging the recognized norms and societal expectations.
In the end, the truth comes out, triggering an upheaval in the life of the Fredericks and their elitist pals. Anne's vain attempt to maintain her social façade comes a cropper. In spite of Bob's indifferent mindset, he finds himself tangled in the mess produced by Anne. Maria, initially a reluctant participant, reclaims her self-respect by choosing to be true to herself.
Last Thoughts"Madame" is a movie that checks out the style of social inequality through an interesting narrative, mixing humor with poignant minutes. Despite its comedic elements, the movie delves into much deeper social problems and subtly criticizes the mindset of the elite class. The movie's expedition of the nature of true love in the middle of a web of deceptiveness and pretense is a key highlight, making it an engaging watch for the audience.
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