Biografia
Agent of Influence (2002) marks a significant milestone in director Michel Poulette's notable career. The film tells the story of John Watkins, a Canadian Ambassador to Moscow, whose alleged ties to the USSR sparked a political scandal in Canada, only for the truth about his death to emerge 18 years later. Michel’s direction of Oscar-nominated actor Christopher Plummer and acclaimed Quebec actress Marina Orsini earned widespread praise. His distinctive approach to this Graham Greene-style spy narrative added depth to the film. Set in the 1960s, the story still resonates today. This Canadian co-production was created by Alberta Filmworks (Randy Bradshaw) and Gala Film (Francine Allaire) for the CTV network.
Before this, Michel directed Bonanno: A Godfather's Story (1999), featuring Oscar winner Martin Landau, J.E. Olmos, Costas Mandylor, Patti Lupone, Robert Loggia, Philippe Bosco, and Toni Nardi. This five-hour epic mini-series, produced for Showtime and Hallmark, chronicles the life of Joseph Bonanno, believed to have inspired Mario Puzo’s Corleone character in The Godfather. It traces Bonanno’s early life in Italy through his rise in America. Producers included Kevin Tierney (Canada) and Dan Paulson (US). Despite being Michel’s first English-language project, it earned Showtime’s highest ratings in 1999.
Michel’s presence in the English market dates back further. His debut feature, King of the Airways (1994) (originally Louis 19: King of the Airwaves), follows an ordinary man whose life is broadcast continuously for three months. This concept may sound familiar. After winning numerous awards worldwide, the film’s rights were acquired by director Ron Howard, who created the first American remake of a Canadian film with Edtv (1999). In Canada, Louis 19 earned Michel the First Time Director Award and the Golden Reel for the highest box office that year.
His second feature, La conciergerie (1997), produced by Cinepix (part of the Lionsgate family), is a film noir that won the People’s Award at the Montreal World Film Festival, the Festival du Film Noir de Cognac, and the International Award at the Atlanta Film Festival. Michel co-wrote, directed, and co-produced the film. Transitioning to directing in English was a natural progression for Michel following a rewarding career in Quebec. He began in Quebec French television, where he made his mark working freelance for all major Quebec broadcasters and earned 20 Gémeaux Awards for consistently high-rated programs.
One of his most notable successes was Rock et belles oreilles (1987), a weekly comedy series blending the styles of Saturday Night Live and Monty Python. It became the defining comedy hit of the 1980s in Quebec and has recently been re-released on DVD. Effortlessly moving between comedy and drama, Michel’s last French-language series was Urgence, Quebec’s answer to ER. It became one of Radio-Canada’s biggest hits, outperforming its nearest competitors by 25% in ratings.
