(Cover) - EN Movies - Franois Ozon says that "only Catherine Deneuve" could have played the lead role in his movie Potiche.

The French director explained that the iconic actress was perfect for the part of Suzanne Pujol, a trophy wife who experiences an unexpected rise against the backdrop of 1970s political and social unrest in a small French village.

While Franois said that if the film was set in other countries he could have cast someone else, he insisted in France it could have only been Deneuve.

"It was important, without her I wouldn't have done the film - in France," he told website Obsessed with Film. "In England I would have had Helen Mirren, or Meryl Streep in America, but in France only Catherine Deneuve could have done this part."

Franois, who is best known for his trademark small, intense and dramatic films, also said that shooting Potiche made a nice change.

The playful editing, colourful costumes and vibrant 1970s feel provided a breath of fresh air for the filmmaker, who also directed 2003 crime drama Swimming Pool.

"Yes, I like to change. After the film I did before, Hideaway [The Refuge], which was very simple, very dramatic and filmed with a small crew, this time I wanted to go back to the spirit of my first movies and comedies I did before. Because sometimes I need a good time, and not so dramatic every day," he added. (C) Cover Media