How to be a Good Wife
Memento Films InternationalSet in 1960s France, Paulette van der Beck (Juliette Binoche) runs a housekeeping school for young women; when her husband (François Berléand) passes away and school teeters on the verge of bankruptcy, she comes to realise that there may be more to life for the women she has been schooling.
Writer-director Martin Provost’s film, How to be a good wife, chooses a comedic approach to gently satirise the patriarchy and the perceived roles of women in society. However, for satire to be truly effective, it needs to have teeth and those are sorely lacking here as for the most part, Provost's film has too light a touch to make it compelling.
As one would imagine with Juliette Binoche in a leading role, the quality of the acting is dependable and reliable. The critically acclaimed actress is undoubtedly in excellent form, her performance coupled with a strong supporting cast delivering some amusing scenes. That being said, the material is not sharp enough, resulting in the film never quite hitting the laugh out loud levels necessary for a more substantial and engaging impact.
Nonetheless, How to be a good wife looks visually splendid. The period setting of the 1960s shines through with eminent production design from Thierry François that pulls the viewer into vibrant life at the housekeeping school. The film is fantastically shot from the director of photography Guillaume Schiffman, with the camera really drinking in the beauty of the rural French landscape. However, lavish production can only carry a muted script so far. If anything stands out, it is the moment that the characters burst into a memorable song and dance routine that closes the film. It may feel a little tacked on and out of place but taken in isolation, it is something of a joy to behold.
How to be a Good Wife is not without its moments and will likely raise more than a smile in places but as a whole, it is never quite satisfying enough. Sadly, despite the talent involved, it proves to be a mostly forgettable affair.
