slickstu

Molière is a fictional account of renowned 17th century French actor and playwright, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (AKA Molière) and how the forbidden love of a lady inspired him to write his classic farcical comedy, Tartuffe ou l'Imposteur. So far so Shakespeare In Love but as good as John Maddon's Shakespearean historic fabrication was, it would be wholly unsatisfying if Molière were to merely tread the same path. It doesn't begin encouragingly, scenes of Molière sharpening quills and succumbing to long moments of unproductive contemplation during an extended bout of writer's block are heavily reminiscent of the former film but, gladly, the further the film progresses, the more it shakes off the shackles of its predecessor and by the end it has distinguished itself quite handsomely.

The plot sees the youthful Molière (Romain Duris) offered a pardon from imprisonment by wealthy aristocrat, Jordain (Fabrice Luchini), in return for acting lessons. You see, Jordain has written a play and intends to use it to procure the affections of the desirable widow, Célimène (Ludivine Sagnier). The catch is he doesn't want his wife to find out about it so Molière is inducted into Jordain's household as a priest. That this household is an atheistic one does not strike Jordain as problematic, neither does the notion that he is employing Molière to help him cheat on his wife. The plot becomes further complicated when Molière becomes besotted with Jordain's wife, Elmire (Laura Morante), and in the tradition of all comic farces the whole set up spirals rapidly out of control with everybody ultimately cheating on everybody else in one form or another.

The film is both funny and charming and comes equipped with all the obligatory costuming and sumptuous photography. Performances from the whole cast are great and director, Laurent Tirard, does well to keep the films intricate plot of deception soundly coherent throughout.

While it's not a film which will set the world on fire, it does make for a very pleasant afternoon at the pictures.

7.5 out of 10.