Podium

This movie came out in Belgium in 2003 but I waited to see this wonderful movie until now. The story is simple but the movie is great. Benoît Poelvoorde is playing Bernard, a bank clerk of the greatest dullness. A job he had to take 'cause his wife couldn't stand living with a dual-personality (or as she's called NO personality). So he promises her never to do the man again. His great obsession is the french star Claude François. Bernard is the perfect double of the star, no, resurrection is the better word. When there is a competition 5 years after the Promise, there's a competition for doubles on television and the best claude françois wins 100000 euro (125000 dollar) Bernard wants to compete and starts his old routine but he thinks he IS the star and starts acting on it. The actors are one for one top quality but the star is indeed Benoît Poelvoorde from my beloved country. His splendor, to be able to show a character that you can hate and love at the same time, is remarkable. I really can recommend this one Some pointers for the people oversees (United states): If you don't know claude françois it's easier to look at the movie like Claude = Elvis. Then it's easier to understand the hype If you look carefully: you can notice the original french version of 'my way' by Frank Sinatra or in this case 'comme d'habitude'

This movie is one the greatest comedy I've ever seen... The actors are so good, I can't compare it with any other movie. The singing performance by Benoit Poelvoorde is perfectly incredible too ! Nevertheless,I guess american audience would not understand this movie, as it deals with a french music symbol, Claude François...

That's why I let myself dream of an american transcription of "Podium"... imagine Adam Sandler or Bill Murray play some unlikely Elvis double... If some producer could read it :)

Congratulations, Yann Moix !!

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

This is the story of Bernard Frederic, a "double" of Claude François (France's Elvis - author of classics such as "My Way"). A special television broadcast on doubles incites him to return to a life he stopped for his wife. We follow him during the steps leading to the big show...

There is something in this movie that makes it irresistible. Is it the story (very original), the rythm (fast but not furious :-)), the humor (I had a smile on my face almost the entire movie), the music (the mood was so positive that the audience sang along)? Or the cast? Benoît Poelvoorde (Bernard Frederic) has shown in this film just how talented he was. An outstanding performance then from him but also from his two co-stars the beautiful Julie Depardieu and the always disconcerting Jean-Paul Rouve. This movie should soon be crowned one of France's cult movies alongside classics such as "Le Père Noël est une Ordure", les "Visiteurs" or "Les Bronzés".

Except if you are looking for what is wrong in a movie, you shouldn't be disturbed by its minor flaws. However for those who read the book (such as me), there may be some level of disappointment (not for me though). You must know that the movie shows only part of Bernard Frederic's impressive personality. He is depicted in the book as impulsive, selfish, stingy but still very likeable. We get to see only a small selection of the ferociously funny situations from the book. But I guess it would have undermined the rythm of the film. So go see it if you want to feel a boost of energy!

When a friend of mine told me about Podium she said that the movie was about a legendary french singer Claude Francois. Personally I love the movies based on bios, so I have nothing to said against it. In fact I had another good experience watching a French comedy (Gregorie Moulin vs Humanity). Not in the mood of that movie, Podium, instead of the Claude biography shows the life of Bernard, a banker that in his teenage years used to love everything about Claude, but his girlfriend made him let things down about his hero. In that time the only choice was his idol or her. Years later motivated by an imitators challenge Bernard suddenly begins to rise as Claude Francois and in the middle of his hallucination, everything begins to make sense. Or isn't it? In my humble opinion Podium goes further than its firsts goals. It doesn't have only good comedic moments, it also has very touching moments that goes around the main character, explaining the suddenly change in Bernard. A good comedy and although is long, the direction of this is really impressive. It makes you feel like the main character, his happiness, his sadness, even his loneliness. In some part of the movie I can also guarantee that you'll feel even like Claude. Have a good time watching this piece of art.

Rating: 10 of 10.