Molière (2007)

Imprisoned for debt, playwright Molière is rescued by an aristocrat who needs his help in order to seduce a young marquise.

Director:

Laurent Tirard

Writers:

Laurent Tirard (scenario), Grégoire Vigneron (scenario)

Stars:

Romain Duris, Fabrice Luchini, Laura Morante

3 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Romain Duris	...	Jean-Baptiste Poquelin
Fabrice Luchini	...	M. Jourdain
Laura Morante	...	Elmire Jourdain
Edouard Baer	...	Dorante
Ludivine Sagnier	...	Célimène
Fanny Valette	...	Henriette Jourdain
Gonzague Montuel	...	Valère
Gilian Petrovski	...	Thomas
Sophie-Charlotte Husson	...	Madeleine Béjart
Anne Suarez	...	Catherine de Brie
Annelise Hesme	...	Marquise du Parc
Luc Tremblais	...	Gros-René
Nicolas Vaude	...	Monsieur
Philippe du Janerand	...	Bonnefoy
Isabelle Caubère	...	Toinette

Storyline

In 1657, playwright/actor Molière, having been given a theater in the capital by the King, is back in Paris after touring the kingdom of France with his company of players. One day, a young lady asks him to follow her to the deathbed of her mother... Thirteen years earlier, Molière already runs a troupe but goes broke and is thrown to prison. Fortunately (?) his debt is covered by Monsieur Jourdain, a rich man who wants him to help him rehearse a one-act play he has written with a view to seducing a beautiful bright young widow, Célimène. As Jourdain is married to Elmire, and is the "respectable" father of two daughters his design must remain secret so Molière is introduced into the house as Tartuffe, an austere priest...

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Plot Keywords:

1600s | character name as title | moliere character | historical event | deathbed | 

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

The production hired a beautiful ancient harp from the Museo dell'Arpa Victor Salvi (Italy); the harp is dated 1760, so it is actually much later than Moliere's time.

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Quotes

M. Jourdain: Your father said you studied law?
Thomas: Trade law, to be exact.
M. Jourdain: What a fine idea! I wanted a son to bequeath my business to.
Thomas: How is business?
M. Jourdain: I can't complain.
Thomas: You're wrong. Our laws are reprehensible. Business in France is impossible. But I have concrete ideas on ways to increase profits.
Dorante: Thomas, I fear this conversation could lead to boredom.
M. Jourdain: Not at all. Not at all. Please continue.
Thomas: For example, did you know you could save on labor costs by setting up shop in Spain, where people earn four times less?
Dorante: [...]

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Connections

References Molière (1978)

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Soundtracks

Ah, Madame, Je vous aime!
Lyrics by Christian Daumas, music based on a 17th Century tune
Performed by Henriette Jourdain (Fanny Valette) and Valère (Gonzague Montuel)

User Reviews

It definitely helps if you are familiar with the works of Molière

Molière 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme' and 'Tartuffe' and his own life M Jourdaine a complete fool

You do not have to be familiar with the works of Molière to enjoy this film, though it's much, much more likely you will if you have seen or read his plays. This is because the plot and style of this film is very strongly inspired by his plays--particularly "Le Bourgeoise Gentilhomme" and "Tartuffe". So, for the unfamiliar, I'd rate the film a 6 and for the lovers of Molière, I'd score this film an 8.

The film is a tad difficult to follow as it does not follow a liner timeline. In fact it bounces around a bit. This is hard to follow because Romain Duris (as Molière) looks pretty much the same through the 13 year course of the film. When the film begins, it is at the present time. Then, Molière has a flashback where he remembers what life was like BEFORE he became famous--13 years earlier. At that time, he was briefly in prison for bad debts (something the author actually did have happen to him) but was rescued by a rich member of the Bourgeoise, Mr. Jourdaine. However, Jourdaine did not do this for strictly noble reasons--he wanted Molière to help him in his efforts to win the heart of a young woman. However, Jourdaine is already married (to a lovely lady he sadly neglects) and there isn't a prayer the young woman will return his advances. What's to become of all this? See the film.

The story plays much like a production by Molière--combined with a few facts from the playwright's life. In the end, everything is wrapped up perfectly and the film is lovely--with great sets and a terrific script. But it's also the sort of costume drama that might bore many--as most folks (especially non-French viewers) today probably have little, if any, interest in this sort of thing. It's a shame, as it is quite lovely and engaging--particularly as the movie progresses.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [United States]

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

31 January 2007 (France)

Also Known As:

As Aventuras de Molière

Filming Locations:

Chateau de Versailles, Versailles, Yvelines, France

Box Office

Budget:

EUR16,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$32,601, 29 July 2007

Gross USA:

$635,733

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,878,867

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fidélité Productions, France 2 Cinéma, France 3 Cinéma

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1