JEANNE’S REVIEW

 

An intriguing story of a very young woman, who, despite her numerous detractors, becomes the “Grande Dame of Champagne”. WIDOW CLICQUOT, based on the best seller, “The Widow Clicquot”, by Tilar J. Mazzeo, stars Haley Bennett in a striking performance as one of the world’s first distinguished female entrepreneurs.

 

Born Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin in 1777, she becomes Madame Clicquot at age 20 after marrying François (Tom Sturridge), the slightly unstable son of Philippe Clicquot (Ben Miles), head of this winemaking family. Though it is an arranged marriage, it doesn’t take long for Barbe-Nicole to fall in love with her attractive new husband, and to take up his passion for winemaking.

 

François is eager to share his knowledge with his beautiful bride --- and she, in turn, shows a real affinity for the winemaking business. He takes her into the vineyards and explains the temperamental aspects of the grapes --- and how he speaks to them. He is obsessed, but his devotion to his craft soon rubs off on Barbe-Nicole.

 

They have a daughter, Clementine, and after François’ untimely death, Barbe-Nicole is faced with running the business on her own. Philippe wants to sell to the Moet family, but she prevails in her insistence that she can be successful. Leaning on Philippe’s accountant, Edouard Werler (Anson Boon), and Louis Bohne (Sam Riley), a well-respected --- and connected --- wine salesman, Barbe-Nicole capitalizes on her struggles to turn the Clicquot vineyards into one of the most successful in all of Champagne --- and the name Veuve Clicquot into a world-renowned brand of excellence.

 

Directed by Thomas Napper, with a beautifully adapted screenplay by Erin Dignam, WIDOW CLICQUOT is both an enchanting film, much like a heartfelt love letter, and a stirring reminder that women are so much more capable than just being a wife and mother. Especially in these months leading up to a presidential election, when some members of a certain political party are suggesting that we return to years past when women were basically considered chattel, it’s important to entertain the fact that Madame Clicquot was alive and successful beginning in the early 1800s.

 

It is never more evident than in the court scene in WIDOW CLICQUOT, how many men hold women with power in such disdain. But Barbe-Nicole never loses her cool --- as I would have done --- and manages to maintain her status as owner of the Clicquot vineyards. It’s a hypnotic performance by Bennett, who carries the entire movie with her beauty and quiet determination.

 

Sturridge’s portrayal is also mesmerizing, with François’ melancholy story told via flashbacks. Boon and Riley give impressive turns as Barbe-Nicole’s confidantes, as does Natasha O’Keefe as Anne, the widow’s lady’s maid.

 

Period dramas are not for everyone, but at 90 minutes WIDOW CLICQUOT is certainly not overlong. And with the breathtaking vistas shot on location in France by cinematographer Caroline Champetier, Napper’s film is a lovely ode to champagne.

 

Opinion: See It Now!

 

 

DAVID’S REVIEW

 

WIDOW CLICQUOT is based on the best seller “The Widow Clicquot” by Tilar J. Mazzeo and could not be more timely. The fact that this story begins in the late 18th century is remarkable when we see the opposition that the heroine faced at the time. The current political climate should make it appealing to audiences who applaud the growing power of women.

 

Based on the true story of the young French winemaker known as the “Grande Dame of Champagne”, i.e., Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot (1777-1866), WIDOW CLICQUOT stars American actress Haley Bennett in the title role. Bennett is exemplary as the defiant, struggling, but ultimately confident wife of husband François (Tom Sturridge), vineyard owner who passes away suddenly.

 

Advised to sell the property rather than assume the reins, she flaunts all the naysayers. But there is one individual who shows support. Her late husband’s close friend, Louis Bohne (Sam Riley), provides much-needed friendship, and their relationship eventually takes a romantic turn. Barbe-Nicole’s response to Louis’ proposal of marriage near the film’s end is a stunner.

 

As Jeanne is wont to remind me, the term “champagne” can only be attributed to those vintages which are actually sourced from the Champagne region of France. It is therefore even more incredible that the world-renowned champagne called Veuve Clicquot arose from the amazing efforts of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot. And it is this historical footnote that should be foremost in mind while watching WIDOW CLICQUOT.

 

The movie frequently shifts back-and-forth from the early years of Barbe-Nicole and Francois’ marriage to her later years as a widow desperate to perfect her champagne. Despite some serious

setbacks --- one shipment spoiled before it could reach its buyer --- Barbe-Nicole’s staunch refusal to quit is the true focal point of WIDOW CLICQUOT.

 

Opinion:  See It Now!