Bicycling With Molière

In Philippe Le Guay's bittersweet comedy, Gauthier (Lambert Wilson)—star of a popular but silly TV series about a heroic brain surgeon—tries to persuade erstwhile colleague Serge (Fabrice Luchini), who has been living as a recluse in the French countryside after a bout with depression, to come out of retirement and appear with him in a Paris revival of Molière's The Misanthrope. Serge agrees to consider the offer only if Gauthier rehearses with him for a week, and much of the film is devoted to watching the men performing scenes from the play, a process that reveals very different personalities (mirroring those of the play's characters), as well as contrasting acting styles. But, of course, there are interruptions—from a cab driver who expects Gauthier to help his injured mother, a realtor who wants to sell him a house, and a barmaid looking for advice on becoming a porn star—as well as an interlude in which Serge dithers over the possibility of undergoing a vasectomy. Still, despite some slapstick accidents during their bike rides around the area, the plans to collaborate appear to be going smoothly—until they meet an Italian woman to whom the usually standoffish Serge is attracted. Luchini and Wilson are a perfect Gallic odd couple, while Maya Sansa brings a likable sassiness to the divorcee who threatens their budding friendship in this winning blend of comedy and drama. Recommended. (F. Swietek)