Molière, written by Gregoire Vigneron and Laurent Tirard, directed by the latter, 9 out of 10

Molière, written by Gregoire Vigneron and Laurent Tirard, directed by the latter

9 out of 10

Notes and thoughts on other books are available at:

-              https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEVa4_CsRStSBBDo4uJWT8BSWtTTn0N1E and   http://realini.blogspot.ro/

Molière is a fabulous, entertaining comedy.

With Fabrice Luchini and Romain Duris, two of the best actors in the world, the film is a treat and a pleasure to watch.

There is one line in this fascinating motion picture that symbolizes, explains in a nutshell the importance of Molière

-          Some day people may choose to say talk to me in the language of Molière instead of talk to me in French

-          How prophetic

In 1657, the hero was an acclaimed author and actor, but we are invited on a journey in the past, at a stage in the life of the genius wherein he had not just trouble paying his debts, but found himself in jail because of them.

The God of comedy is played by Romain Duris and the man who takes him out of jail is portrayed by Fabrice Luchini.

When he is out of prison, the actor is invited by his benefactor to prove himself in a scene of exquisite humor.

The rich Monsieur Jourdain is commenting on the repuatation and then sits down inviting the young man to demonstarte- „alors joue”, to which the hero is reacting with stupefaction- what do you mean?

Well, before I engage your services, I want to judge for myself and see if you are worth my paying for your talent.

But you must be joking refutes the flabberghasted young hero and to this, the rich Jourdain is calling for an assistant to send the guest back to prison.

He was willing to pay for the debts and therefore assure his liberty, but only in exchange for services rendered.

Faced with the alterantaive,  Molière agrees and he has to listen to a humorous contract that stipulates that he has to offer lessons to Mr. Jourdain, to the best of his abilities, so that the latter could appear in the best light in front of the woman he loves, Célimène.

Monsieur Joourdain is married to Elmire, who meets the playright when he is dressed as a man of the church and using the name...Tartuffe:

Elmire Jourdain: [to Molière/Poquelin] Mr. Tartuffe, I understood long ago that men of the Church are for the most part mere actors, who endlessly repeat the same lines, with more or less conviction.

Molière falls in love with the neglected Elmire Jourdain and given his extraordinary literary talent, he writes enchanting messages to her.

Elmire is fascinated and ovewhelemed by the beauty of Molière/ Tertuffe’s writing, even if she has no idea that the letters come from him.

Meanwhile, comedy is at its peak as the husband is taking lessons in order to be resplendent in front of Célimène.

The scenario is witty and excellent, presenting the vanity of the philandering husband and the arrogance of the woman he loves:

„I thought it was your intelligence that made you an exceptional being. I realize now it's only your upbringing that gives you style for your soul is entirely devoted to cruelty. You amuse your suite with jokes about those who are absent. But I say it is an insult to your beauty, your intelligence, and your rank that you're incapable of stating what you truly think to one's face. You used the donkey as an example: an animal that waits until you're not looking to kick you. I shall go now, Madame, and leave you to bray about me in my absence.”

Apart from the rejected affection of Mr. Jourdain and the intimacy between his wife and the young Molière, the daughter is also infatuated with a young piano teacher.

Alas, her father, interested in people from the same, rich class wnats to marry her with another suitor, who wants her fortune.

Father and would be son-in-law discuss business and what opportunities are offered by various economic zones, with another humorous take on what happens nowadays:

-          „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: [rolling his eyes] In Spain! And why not China?”

This is an adorable spectacle, a great film.