Even if you've never read a word of Moliere or seen even one minute of one of his plays you should still derive a lot of enjoyment out of this gem. Lambert Wilson and Fabrice Luchini have both appeared in French films that played outside France yet remain little known abroad whereas in France they are household names and deservedly so. The premise of the film is that a once successful actor (Luchini) has retired from the theatre, retreated to the country and has himself, ironically, become more a less a misanthrope. A second actor (Wilson) enjoying nationwide fame on the strength of his playing the eponymous role in a television drama, is anxious to return to his theatrical roots via a revival of Moliere's classic play The Misanthrope. Earmarking the lead role of Alceste for himself he travels to Rochelle to try to persuade Luchini to return to the stage and co-star with him is Philente. The bulk of the film is the marvellous interplay between two great actors at the top of their game actually rehearsing the play tentatively and alternating the two lead roles. It is nothing short of a feast of superb acting and is one to be savoured.
Review of Bicycling with Molière
