Cycling with Molière

2.00
    Cycling with Molière
    2013

    Synopsis

    Serge Tanneur is at the pinnacle of his acting career when he decides to turn his back on show business and become a hermit living off of France’s Atlantic coast. Three years later, Gauthier Valence, a beloved TV actor, shows up on the island to offer Serge a role in his directorial debut – a rendition of Molière’s classic play, “The Misanthrope”. Serge refuses at first, but then suggests that they rehearse the first scene and after five days he’ll decide if he wants to dothe play or not. What ensues is a battle of brawn and wits and peculiar encounters with a hotel maid who longs to be a pornstar and an Italian divorcée.

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    Cast

    • Fabrice LuchiniSerge Tanneur
    • Lambert WilsonGauthier Valence
    • Maya SansaFrancesca
    • Camille JapyChristine
    • Ged MarlonChristophe Meynard, real estate agent
    • Stéphan WojtowiczTaxi driver
    • Annie MercierTamara, artistic agent
    • Christine MurilloMrs. Françon
    • Josiane StoléruRaphaëlle La Puisaye
    • Laurie BordesoulesZoé

    Recommendations

    • 80

      Los Angeles Times

      "Molière" is a polished, character-driven entertainment enlivened by flashes of droll humor.
    • 75

      Washington Post

      This may be a buddy comedy on its surface, but Bicycling With Molière also gives some insight into the way art imitates life, and also the way life informs art.
    • 70

      The New York Times

      The screenplay ultimately bears out Alceste’s observations about treachery, selfishness and deceit, but with such charm and zest that their sting tickles more than it hurts.
    • 63

      New York Post

      Not many surprises are in store, but the film’s affection for the dramatist is pleasing.
    • 58

      The A.V. Club

      High culture this decidedly isn’t. Mostly, it’s just a vehicle for two terrific actors to snipe at each other and poke some mild fun at their own profession.
    • 50

      Slant Magazine

      Even though the subtext about the past and modernity constantly being at odds throughout the setting's changing times is intriguing, the director presents this in a clunky, almost didactic fashion.
    • 50

      The Dissolve

      The two leads are so strong in these parts that it’s too bad they rarely get the chance to do more with them.
    • 40

      Total Film

      Philippe Le Guay’s comedy promises an intellectual satire on how actors mirror their characters. Yet it’s compromised by indulgent pacing and ill-advised slapstick – leaving a cosy, middlebrow showcase for its stars to practise theatrical verse and fall off their bikes.

    Seen by

    • MMind