By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Philippe Le Guay
Starring: Camille Japy | Fabrice Luchini | Lambert Wilson | Maya Sansa
Original language title: Alceste à bicyclette
Country: france
Year: 2014
Running time: 104
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2207050/combined
Bruce says: “Several years back, dogged director Phillippe Le Guay travelled to the Île de Ré near La Rochelle to deliver a script to actor Fabrice Luchini who was not returning his calls. Luchini, a well-known stage actor, had a reputation for being reclusive. Le Guay desperately wanted Luchini for a role in his film THE WOMEN ON THE 6TH FLOOR. While riding bicycles back to the Luchini’s house, Luchini began reciting from Molière’s The Misanthrope. Le Guay was amazed that Luchini knew the lines by heart and assumed that Luchini had played the role of Alceste. He soon learned that his suspicions were untrue;
Luchini had never played the role. This was the genesis of BICYCLING WITH MOLIÈRE. The two men decided to write a
screenplay.
“Gauthier Valence (Lambert Wilson), a successful television actor, arrives by ferry at Île de Ré to discuss a production of The Misanthrope with Serge Tanneur (Fabrice Luchini). It is a surprise visit since Serge has retired from the stage and is very much a recluse. ‘I don’t like being connected,’ is Serge’s explanation. Gauthier, handsome and dashing, is Serge’s polar opposite. He is a charming manipulator. In short time Gauthier convinces Serge to do a reading of The Misanthrope. ‘I always wanted to play Alceste,’ Serge confesses, speaking of the play’s title role. When Gauthier reveals he wants Serge for the role of Philinte, Serge balks. ‘It’s a secondary role – only five scenes.’ Gauthier compromises and the two switch roles, back and forth, during the next few days as they immerse themselves in Molière dialogue. In the process of rehearsing they struggle to make Molière’s lines their own. Not too much their own, however. ‘You must respect the verse,’ Serge cautions Gauthier. Serge is clearly the man with experience.
“The two men begin to hit it off and spend time cycling and relaxing together. They seem to appreciate and play off of their
differences. As is often the case, another element appears in the mix. Célimène is the play’s seductress. Serge and Gauthier meet their own Célimène, an Italian named Francesca who initially takes a shine to Serge. There is great irony in the ending….but divulging any clues would more of a disservice than enticement.
“Director Le Guay’s ambition was to find a way to merge theatre and cinema. To that end he is extraordinarily successful. The interplay of the two men as they construct their roles is fascinating. A love of theatre is not a prerequisite to enjoying BICYCLING WITH MOLIÈRE. The simple idea that evolved into this insightful, entertaining and totally unique film is evidence that good material is often found in the most unlikely places. 4.5 cats
“(BICYCLING WITH MOLIÈRE screened at the 2013 Tribeca film Festival.)”