Marguerite * * * * 1/2

I think most of us like to day dream and fantasize. 

Like drinking or taking a drug it’s a waste of time but it makes you feel better. The trouble is, afterward you haven't improved your lot one iota.  Nevertheless, in your day-dreams you were the person you wanted to be.  
Marguerite is about someone who does that all day and every day.  But she does not just imagine herself to be great.  She actually believes it and lives as though she really has achieved fame and admiration.

As the bearded lady says “There are only two ways to deal with life: live it or dream it."
Yes,I said”bearded lady”.  This film is stuffed full of bohemians, eccentrics, cross dressers, secret homosexuals, crazies and other fascinating and beautiful people.

Marguerite is presented to us as  a ludicrously wealthy woman who married a French aristocrat for his title. This was 1920: title still mattered then.

Marguerite was under the delusion she could sing so she very much enjoyed doing public performances. Her voice was absolutely terrible, but she was such a generous woman with an intimidating title no one would tell her the truth.

The film is divided into five “chapters”.  In the first we see her giving a charity concert and we are introduced to most of the principal characters, among them is a young journalist and his anarchic social commentator friend. Through an ambiguous article written by the young journalist Marguerite's reputation spreads.

Another chapter tells of her time when she got involved with a bunch of dadaist socialist bohemians. They loved her, believing her to be a satirical and mocking representation of the old bourgeoisie ways.
A final moving chapter is called Truth.

Superbly played by Catherine Frot, Marguerite is an endearing, amusing and tragic figure set against the backdrop of a changing France. Beliefs, institutions, art, politics are all being vigorously questioned.  But Marguerite is happy in her world of beautiful music and self-delusion.

Like opera itself the film Marguerite has grandness humor and flamboyance, complete with villains, maidens, handsome young men, loyal servants and betrayal.

It is a big and luxurious production with every stick of furniture and stitch of clothing looking authentic.

A film one could easily watch twice.  I’m sure I will.