Bicycling with Moliere

Bicycling with Molière is a witty and thought-provoking French drama-comedy film released in 2013, directed by Philippe Le Guay, who's recognized for his ability to weave intricate human relationships into compelling narratives.

The film stars two of France's most accomplished actors: Fabrice Luchini and Lambert Wilson. These two deliver a theatrical masterclass, showcasing their ability to engage in intense and highly emotive performances while also providing a profusion of humor, reflected in their on-screen rivalry and camaraderie. Maya Sansa's presence adds a touch of intrigue in the plot, heightening the overall tension and delivering an outstanding performance.

The backdrop is Ile de Ré, an idyllic French island marked with beautiful landscapes, quaint houses, and striking coastlines that add a hedonistic quality to the setting. The movie indulges in languid bike rides through winding paths, shingle beaches, and stunning sunsets, which are sure to leave viewers longing for a similar retreat.

The plot revolves around a retired, mostly reclusive actor, Serge Tanneur (Fabrice Luchini), who has turned his back on the theater and instead now enjoys a solitary, contemplative life. He is reluctantly coaxed out of his self-imposed exile by Gauthier Valence (Lambert Wilson), a magnetic, more successful, TV soap opera actor who misses his old friend's presence on stage and desperately wants to draw him back into the acting world. Gauthier proposes that they rehearse scenes from Molière's classic 17th-century play "The Misanthrope" to amuse themselves and determine whether Serge would consider returning to the theater.

Engaging in debates about the play's characters and the contemporary relevance of Molière's social critique, the film unfolds like an intellectual tennis match, bouncing back and forth between Serge and Gauthier's differing views on art, their professional rivalry, personal insecurities, and the very nature of acting itself.

Bicycling with Molière is a tribute to art, friendship, and the complexities of human interaction. The film explores numerous themes, such as the tension between art and commercial entertainment, high art versus popular culture, honesty versus diplomacy, and integrity versus compromise. The subtle nuances, verbal exchanges, and repartee lent to each scene underscore the contrasts between the characters' personalities and their diverse approaches to life.

Lambert Wilson's character, Gauthier, brings his charisma, charm, and a sense of vulnerability into the mix, providing a perfect foil for the blunt, isolationist Serge, excellently and grumpily portrayed by Luchini. Amidst this play-centric narrative is the involvement of Maya Sansa's character, Francesca. A smart, attractive, and independent Italian woman, Francesca offers the film a new dimension, fleshing out the main characters while adding her own layer of complexity to the storyline.

The cinematography beautifully complements the narrative. The enchanting landscapes of the Ile de Ré become almost an essential character in the storyline, framing the beauty and tranquility of isolation that seems to mirror Serge's chosen existence. The magnificent imagery of verdant fields, cobbled streets, and spacious shorelines accompanied by calm bike rides adds a poetic rhythm to the film, enhancing its overall appeal.

Bicycling with Molière is an intelligent, engaging, and delightfully human film filled with charm, humor, wit, and occasional melancholy. The movie is rich in its dialogues, offering introspective monologues and eloquent debates. There is no short of humor, effortlessly incorporated into the mix, making the movie both entertaining and insightful. It showcases a great play of sophisticated French cinema that is likely to captivate the audience.

As they cycle through the picturesque surroundings, audiences will be drawn into the intellectual battle between the two main characters, their charming narrative, the reflection on art and life, the pleasing visuals, and the wonderful ensemble of actors. Bicycling with Molière presents a subtle yet profound exploration of friendship, theater, and the enduring power of art over the span of a lifetime. In its evocative setting, this film is a journey that blends drama, comedy, and poignant moments that are worth watching.