How many ways does this enragingly shallow film offend Wendy Ide? Even a girly such as she can work that out
Imagine Mad Men with all its dubious sexual politics unvarnished, but without the wryly raised eyebrow to diffuse the offence. Imagine a film in which not only is the central female character’s ultimate aim to be a typist, it’s an ambition that she can’t hope to achieve without being mentored by a man. Imagine then marketing this movie to female audiences. The French period picture Populaire is like a condescending pat on the head and the promise of some nice frocks to keep the little ladies happy.
Déborah François, who impressed me with her mature, self-possessed performance in The Page