Madame Claude

Madame Claude is a French biographical drama movie released in 2021. The movie portrays the life of French brothel owner Fernande Grudet, known by her business name Madame Claude. She was a notorious figure in the world of high-end prostitution during the 1960s and 1970s. Karole Rocher plays the titular character, while Garance Marillier plays Sidonie, a young woman who becomes Madame Claude's protégée. Roschdy Zem appears as Jo Attia, a journalist who tries to expose Madame Claude's business.

The movie opens with Madame Claude (Karole Rocher) cruising in her car around the streets of Paris, looking for potential clients. She runs a high-end brothel service that caters to the wealthy and the powerful. Her clients include politicians, diplomats, businessmen, and celebrities. Madame Claude is a shrewd and calculating woman who uses her charm and influence to maintain her power and wealth. She also has a network of spies and informants who keep her informed about potential clients and competitors.

One day, Madame Claude meets Sidonie (Garance Marillier), a young and beautiful woman who wants to work in the prostitution business. Madame Claude takes her under her wing and trains her in the art of seduction and manipulation. Sidonie becomes Madame Claude's favorite protégée and learns how to navigate the dangerous and glamorous world of high-end prostitution.

As Madame Claude's business expands, she attracts the attention of the authorities and the media. Jo Attia (Roschdy Zem), a journalist, starts investigating Madame Claude's brothel and tries to expose her business in the press. Madame Claude responds by manipulating Attia and using her resources to gather information about him. She also blackmails and bribes the police and the politicians to protect her business.

Meanwhile, Madame Claude's relationship with Sidonie becomes more complicated. Sidonie falls in love with a client and wants to leave the brothel. Madame Claude won't allow it and threatens Sidonie's life if she tries to leave. The tension between Madame Claude and Sidonie builds up to a climactic confrontation that exposes the dark secrets and hidden motives of both women.

Madame Claude is an intense and engaging movie that provides a glimpse into the world of high-end prostitution and the life of one of its most notorious figures. The movie portrays Madame Claude as a complex and enigmatic character who embodies the contradictions and ambiguities of the era she lived in. She is both a victim and a perpetrator of the patriarchal and capitalist system that enables her business. She is also a rebel and a survivor who uses her intelligence, charm, and wit to stay ahead in a dangerous and unpredictable environment.

The movie is visually stunning, with stylish and colorful cinematography that captures the glamour and decadence of the 1960s and 1970s. The costumes and sets are also meticulously designed to evoke the era's aesthetic and atmosphere. The acting is superb, with Karole Rocher delivering a mesmerizing and nuanced performance as Madame Claude. Garance Marillier is equally impressive as Sidonie, conveying the character's vulnerability and strength with equal force. Roschdy Zem provides a counterpoint as the journalist who tries to expose Madame Claude's business, bringing a sense of moral urgency and realism to the story.

In conclusion, Madame Claude is a movie that explores the dark side of glamour and power through the story of one of the most notorious figures of the European underground scene. It is a movie that raises important questions about gender, sexuality, and power, and provides a thought-provoking and engaging portrait of a complex and fascinating woman.