Film_Fatale Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 I don't know if anyone's heard about this one, but it was recently released on DVD so hopefully folks might watch it. It's like a French-language Shakespeare in Love. A lot of fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metsfan Posted February 14, 2008 Share Posted February 14, 2008 It's more of a love story instead of the playwright's actual life? Is this from last year? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whistlingypsy Posted February 17, 2008 Share Posted February 17, 2008 I saw this film in the theatre last year, in a very limited run locally, and again when it was released on January 22 to my local ?video chain.? I suppose many British would agree with the assessment that Moli?re is the French Shakespeare, but many French might simply say, ?Shakespeare who?? This film is a truly mesmerizing vehicle to bring the man?s life to a new generation. I don?t know how true it is to Moli?re?s life-history; the plot seems more like that of one of his plays (perhaps TARTUFFE), but the storyline is fun, witty and surprising. The exquisite cinematography, set decoration and costumes is meant to communicate a true sense of the 17th century, rather than the chocolate-box confectionary of Sophia Coppola?s 18th century MARIE ANTOINETTE. You might be interested in checking out a film also titled MOLI?RE written and directed by Arianne Mnouchkine and starring Philippe Caub?re as the title character. I saw this film when it aired on PBS a ?few? years ago, (unfortunately, the version offered at amazon is in French with no option for subtitles) and Caub?re?s performance inspired my fascination with Jean Baptiste de Poquelin (the playwright?s birth name.) You can find a video of LA BALAYEUR DE NUIT, or THE NIGHT SWEEPER, on YouTube. The faces of the audience members are priceless: Are we supposed to enjoy this or is this man crazy? You can also see Caub?re featured in two films inspired by Maurice Pagnol?s childhood memoirs: LA GLOIRE DE MON PERE (MY FATHER?S GLORY) and LE CHATEAU DE MA MERE (MY MOTHER?S CASTLE.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Film_Fatale Posted February 17, 2008 Author Share Posted February 17, 2008 t's more of a love story instead of the playwright's actual life? Is this from last year? It's a "what if this had happened?" speculation, knowingly taking a bit of liberty I suppose with what is known about an author's life, just like Shakespeare in Love and Becoming Jane. And I do believe it showed in American theaters last year, now it's out on DVD here in North America. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metsfan Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Edmond Rostand made references of Moliere in Cyrano De Bergerac and I would love to see the various films involving this playwright. Thanks to you both for the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laffite Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Thank you for reminding me of "Le Chateau de ma Mere," one of the best movies I've ever seen. A childhood memoir that is totally charming. "La Gloire de Mon Pere" should be seen first as these two are connected, though not exactly a continuing story, per se, as I recall. I remember not liking that quite as much but I think now I need to revisit it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whistlingypsy Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 funny you should mention the reference to Moli?re in CYRANO DE BERGERAC by Edmund Rostand. There is a funny section in THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK by Alexandre Dumas in which Porthos does a humorous take off on his name: misnaming the playwright Poquelin de Moli?re who also appears as the character of Coquelin de Voli?re. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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