The journey of ‘Widow Clicquot’: A tale of resilience and innovation

A young widow’s rise in the champagne world

In the film “Widow Clicquot”, Haley Bennett takes on the role of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, a young woman who, at just 27, inherits her husband’s vineyard after his sudden death in the late 1700s. Despite the challenges, she becomes renowned as the Grande Dame of Champagne, pioneering innovations such as the first vintage champagne in 1810.

Widow Clicquot is a story of determination and ingenuity, set against the backdrop of a male-dominated industry. Barbe-Nicole’s journey is not just about making champagne; it’s about overcoming societal and familial obstacles, including resistance from her father-in-law, played by Ben Miles, who attempts to seize control of the business.

Overcoming production challenges

Directed by Thoms Napper, the film is based on a bestseller that chronicles Barbe-Nicole’s life and achievements. The project faced numerous hurdles, including a significant budget cut just before filming was set to begin. This forced the team to adapt the script, focusing the entire story on the family estate rather than multiple locations, including Paris.

Reflecting on the production process, Bennett shares, “Sometimes getting the film made felt impossible. But it was actually this parallel journey. It’s those obstacles that kind of created tension and suspense for me as a producer and the actor who would embody the widow.”

A story of roots and resilience

Barbe-Nicole’s decision to stay rooted in her vineyard, fearing it would be taken from her if she left, resonates deeply with Bennett. “She was afraid that they would never let her come back. It was a logic that I understood. It was about putting her feet into the ground and growing roots.”

Bennett’s passion for this story was questioned by some, but she found empowerment in the tale of a woman fighting for her place in a male-dominated world. “Oppression of any kind has become fuel for me. Male domination is very much alive. To tell these stories about women who are ambitious and successful is what I want to do.”

Parallels with contemporary figures

Bennett believes that Barbe-Nicole’s story is more relevant than ever, especially as women like Kamala Harris rise to prominent positions. “Madame Clicquot was wily and intelligent and she had talent and technique and she understood her craft. She was innovative and forward-thinking. And what set her apart and what made her a success is that she had good instinct, and she had grit. She stood on her own because she didn’t have a choice. That is what women do – we get on with it. I hope Kamala gets on with it, too. I think she will.”

A new frontier in television

Bennett’s versatility as an actress is evident in her role in the Apple TV+ series “The Last Frontier”, where she stars as a CIA agent alongside Jason Clarke and Dominic Cooper. The show, which has been in production for about seven months, presents its own set of challenges. “The CIA jargon is like Shakespeare but it doesn’t have any connection to the heart. We’ve gotten very creative in how to memorize all of this incredible dialogue. It’s like dialogue Olympics and physical ‘Gladiator’ training at the same time. I’m trying to do as much of my own stunt work as possible. I basically channeled Tom Cruise.”

The Last Frontier showcases Bennett’s dedication to her craft, even when it leads to unexpected injuries. “I did get a concussion but it’s a very funny story. What took me down was a hair and makeup chair. I sat down and I lost my balance. I hit my head on the concrete floor. Next thing I know I was on a gurney on my way to the hospital. But then when we got to the hospital, it went into lockdown because there was a crazy stabber on the loose.”

Final thoughts

Haley Bennett’s journey through the making of “Widow Clicquot” and her role in “The Last Frontier” highlights her resilience and passion for storytelling. Her commitment to portraying strong, ambitious women is evident in her work, and her ability to overcome challenges both on and off the screen is truly inspiring. Whether you’re a fan of cinema, TV series, or simply enjoy a good story of perseverance, Bennett’s latest projects are sure to captivate and inspire.