• Willamette Hall [Rm 100] | University of Oregon
• November 18, 2008
• 7pm

French Film Festival (Film 4 of 5)

In 1644, Jean Baptiste Poquelin, also known as Molière, is only twenty two and his illustrious Theater Troupe, founded the previous year, is bankrupt. Hounded by creditors, Molière is thrown into jail. When the jailors finally let him go, he disappears. Historians have found no trace of him before he reappeared with his troupe several months later. Taking this mystery as his starting point, Laurent Tirard concocted an elaborate historical fiction in which the young Molière is released from prison by Mr. Jourdain. This wealthy bourgeois settles Molière's debt on the understanding that he will teach him the craft and art of the stage. Mr. Jourdain is infatuated with the lovely but poisonous Célimen, whose salon gathers suitors and great wits. He craves to impress her but she only has disdain for him. To ensure that his love interest remains a secret from his wife, Elmire, Mr. Jourdain presents Molière as an austere private tutor. Molière falls in love with Elmire who, at first, only has harsh words for this holier-than-thou figure who invaded her home. Trapped in this untenable situation, Molière's eyes and mind will open to life itself and to his work as an artist. It is from this tale, and from his passion for Elmire, that Molière, the great dramatist, is born.

Running time: 120’
Production: France, 2007
Rating: Not rated
Gauge: DVD (color)

DIRECTOR
Laurent Tirard

SCREENPLAY
Laurent Tirard, Grégoire Vigneron & Gilles Henry

CAST
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin: Romain Duris
Mr. Jourdain: Fabrice Luchini
Elmire Jourdain: Laura Morante
Dorante: Edouard Baer
Célimène: Ludivine Sagnier