Bicycling With Molière

In this warm, funny, literate comedy, two French actors portray two French actors, friends at odds with one another in every possible way, except with regard to their love for performing Molière's the Misanthrope. Lambert Wilson (star of OF GODS AND MEN and the voice of Ernest in the recently released animation, ERNEST AND CELESTINE) plays Gauthier: tall, handsome, and the beneficiary of a leading role in a wildly popular, wildly ridiculous soap opera; he is a beloved cosmetic surgeon who "saves lives." Regarding the random nature of his good fortune, Gauthier is both embarrassed and defensive; he seeks to re-establish his acting bona-fides by starring in and directing Molière on the Paris stage. Fabrice Luchini (who previously worked with Le Guay in WOMEN ON THE 6TH FLOOR) plays Serge, a serious actor-turned middle-aged curmudgeon who has met with far less professional success. He has renounced the stage to live on the glorious île de Ré, located off France's Atlantic coast. Gauthier arrives on Serge's turf to try to convince his pal (Luchini is, in fact, a Molière expert) to return to Paris to play opposite him in a new production of the Misanthrope. When not arguing or rehearsing scenes while biking along the island's windswept beaches, they consider their options - as personified by a local porn actress and an attractive Italian divorcée - as well as the ever-present lure of island real estate. - Karen Cooper, Director, Film Forum. Cast: Fabrice Luchini, Lambert Wilson, Maya Sansa. Directed by: Philippe Le Guay.