Biography
Agent of Influence (2002) stands as a landmark in director Michel Poulette's already interesting career. It is the story of a Canadian Ambassador to Moscow, John Watkins, whose accusation of being an agent for the USSR resulted in a political scandal in Canada a few years ago when the truth about his death was revealed... 18 years later. Michel's direction of Oscar nominated actor Christopher Plummer and renowned Quebecoise actress Marina Orsini brought him accolades. His unique treatment of this Graham Greene like spy story enriched the film. Although the story takes place in the 60s, the film resonates today. It is a Canadian co-production between Alberta Filmworks (Randy Bradshaw) and Gala Film (Francine Allaire) for the CTV network.
Previously, Michel directed Bonanno: A Godfather's Story (1999). Starring Oscar winner actor Martin Landau, J.E. Olmos Costas Mandylor, Patti Lupone, Robert Loggia, Philippe Bosco, Toni Nardi. Onanno is a five-hour epic mini-series produced for Showtime/Hallmark . It chronicles the life and times of Joseph Bonanno - believed to be the inspiration for Mario Puzo's Corleone character in The Godfather. The story spans Bonanno's early beginnings in Italy, to his conquests in America. It was produced by Kevin Tierney (Canada) and Dan Paulson (US). Although it was his first project in English, it earned Showtime's Best Ratings In 1999.
Michel's work isn't new to the English market. His first feature was a comedy titled King of the Airways (1994) (Louis 19 King Of The Airwaves), the story of an everyday Joe whose life is broadcast 24 hours a day for 3 months. Sound familiar? After many awards around the world, the rights were bought by director Ron Howard and became the first American remake of a Canadian film as Edtv (1999). In Canada, Louis 19 earned Michel both First Time Director Award and the Golden Reel for the biggest box office of the year.
His second feature, La conciergerie (1997), was produced by Cinepix (a member of the Lion's Gate family). This film noir won the People's Award at the Montreal World Film Festival, at 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. Directing in English was a natural segue in Michel's journey to new challenges after a unique and gratifying career in Quebec. His start came from Quebec French television where he made his mark. He worked freelance for all of Quebec's Major Broadcast networks, earning 20 Gemeaux Awards for programs, which have consistently been among the highest rated.
One of his most memorable achievements was Rock et belles oreilles (1987), a hilariously irreverent weekly comedy series. In style, a combination of Saturday Night Live and Monty Python. It was THE success of the 80's in Quebec. This cult series has just been successfully re-released on DVD. Switching easily from comedy to drama, his last series in French was Urgence. This Quebecois equivalent of ER is one of Radio-Canada's greatest success stories, with ratings that exceeded its closest rivals by 25.
