Madame Claude is a biographical crime drama film directed by Sylvie Verheyde. The movie is set in Paris during the late 1960s and early 1970s and depicts the life of Fernande Grudet, a woman known as Madame Claude who ran a successful prostitution ring in the city.
Fernande Grudet, played by Karole Rocher, is shown as a powerful woman who holds great influence over both the political and criminal worlds of France. Madame Claude's clients included wealthy businessmen, politicians, and diplomats who paid high prices for the services of her prostitutes. She operated her business like an exclusive club, selecting only the most beautiful and sophisticated women as her employees.
As her empire grows, Madame Claude becomes a major player in the French criminal underworld, striking deals with powerful figures such as the infamous gangster Jo Attia, played by Roschdy Zem. However, her success also attracts the attention of the police, who are determined to bring her down. The authorities launch a major investigation into Madame Claude's business, and the media begins to write about her in a negative light.
As Madame Claude faces increasing pressure, she becomes increasingly paranoid and erratic. She starts to turn on her own employees, leading to a series of betrayals and violent episodes that rock her empire. In the end, Madame Claude's downfall is caused by a combination of her own arrogance, the changing attitudes towards sex work in France, and the growing power of feminism and the women's liberation movement.
Overall, Madame Claude is a fascinating exploration of a complex and controversial historical figure, who embodies many of the contradictions and tensions of her era. The film features powerful performances, stunning visuals, and a powerful soundtrack that evokes the glamour and decadence of 1960s Paris.