FILM for FEBRUARY

[Writer]

Wirksworth Film for February is 'Moliere'.

Friday, 6 February in the Town Hall

In 1658, playwright/actor Molière, having been given a theater in the capital by the King, is back in Paris after touring the kingdom of France with his company of players. One day, a young lady asks him to follow her to the deathbed of her mother...

Thirteen years earlier, Molière already runs a troupe but goes broke and is thrown to prison. Fortunately (?) his debt is covered by Monsieur Jourdain, a rich man who wants him to help him rehearse a one-act play he has written with a view to seducing a beautiful bright young widow, Célimène.

As Jourdain is married to Elmire, and is the "respectable" father of two daughters his design must remain secret so Molière is introduced into the house as Tartuffe, an austere priest...

Bar opens at 7.30

[Writer]

Additional information on Moliere...

The cast is superb, the visual effects are opulent, the musical score is period correct, and the cinematography finds a fine balance between the lush vistas of the countryside and estates and the grimy realism of the prison and small theaters. Perhaps the story is not historically correct, but no one really knows the true events in the missing portion pf Molière's life, and this version is at least plausible and thought provoking. In French with English subtitles.

Open to non-members £4

[Stella]

Does anyone know when the film was made?

[Erica Boulton]

Yes. It was made in 2007.

[Stella]

Colin Humphreys, the Chair of Wirksworth Film says...

"This French film (with sub-titles) was nominated in 2007 for best costume design and best production design. A light comedy, it has wonderful shots of French historic buildings, and is the first costume drama we have shown in a long time.

I look forward to seeing you there, so join us for a some nibbles and get yourself a glass of wine for a relaxing evening in these dark winter nights."