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Marquise
1997 History Comedy / Drama
Review
Despite its lavish production values and attention to period detail, Marquise
belongs to that growing number of recent historical dramas from France that fail
to satisfy and make you regret forking out for that DVD. These may seem like harsh
words, because the film would appear to have so much going for it. Bernard Giraudeau
makes an excellent Molière with his richly layered performance which alternates
between tragic poignancy, pent-up fury and eccentric comedy. Sophie Marceau throws
herself body and soul into her part, giving a rather touching portrayal of a vulnerable
but spirited young woman who finds fame and then has it snatched away from her (rather
like a Big Brother contestant). Likewise, Patrick Timsit and Lambert Wilson
give fine performances, and Thierry Lhermitte’s interpretation of Louis XIV is inspired.
The sets are beautiful, the costumes stunning, the camera work masterful. Yet, somehow,
it just doesn’t seem to add up to much. With names such as Molière, Lully
and Racine being banded about, you somehow expect something deeper, something more intelligent
that this. Unfortunately, all we get is a colourful but thinly lacquered historical
romp – pretty on the surface, but lacking any real emotional or intellectual depth.
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Director:
Véra Belmont
Starring: Sophie Marceau, Bernard Giraudeau, Lambert Wilson, Patrick Timsit, Thierry Lhermitte Synopsis
17th Century France, during the reign of King Louis XIV. Whilst visiting a
provincial town, a member of Molière’s acting troupe, Gros-René, discovers
a beautiful street dancer, Marquise. Realising her talent, Molière adopts
her and takes her to Versailles where she will perform before the king. Marquise
becomes disillusioned when she ends up performing dances between acts. Her ambition
to become a great actress is realised not by Molière, but by his rival playwright
Racine…
Credits
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