Wednesday, July 25--------He was and is the most prominent and well-known French playwright of his or any time, and his legacy continues nearly 400 years after his death. Now, for the first time, the focus is on the man himself, and not just his art, in the lavish period epic MOLIERE, which opens this Friday in US theatrical release from blue chip distributor Sony Pictures Classics. The film, directed by Laurent Tirard and co-written by Tirard and Grégoire Vigneron, focuses on the start of the playwright's illustrious career, when as a 22 year old he was producing and starring in his own plays. At this stage, he was also debt-ridden and constantly chased by bailiffs. He ended up imprisoned for some time, then suddenly disappeared.  The film is bracketed by the period thirteen years later when the playwright/actor is given a theater in Paris by the King, after touring the kingdom with his company of players and subsequently becomes the iconic figure still revered today.

Many Molière biographies speak of the long and mysterious absence during this time in his life.  What if, during this period, Molière met those that became the characters in his plays? What if he experienced the intense feelings that inspired his work? What if, at this moment, he encountered the woman who would give him the key to himself and impassion him like never before?  In this colorful and lavish adaptation, director Tirard supposes just that and examines what might have happened during this little known period. The film is already being compared to SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, another historical epic that hinted at the English playwright's background and influences. MOLIERE also shares that Oscar winner's precision of historical detail, sumptuous costumes, lush cinematography and the rollicking good nature of its vast cast of thespians, rogues and royals.

The film stars one of France's hottest rising stars, Romain Duris, who made strong impressions in the films L'AUBERGE ESPANOLE (2002), LES POUPEES RUSSES (2005) and his award-winning performance in THE BEAT THAT MY HEART SKIPPED (2005). Joining him are Ludivine Sagnier (SWIMMING POOL, 8 WOMEN), Laura Morante (AVENUE MONTAIGNE) and Fabrice Luchini (COLONEL CHABERT). The film has delighted audiences at film festivals in Seattle, Moscow, Los Angeles and Cambridge, and has already opened in Europe to strong box office and critical praise. The film is being sold internationally by Wild Bunch and Canal Plus. To view the trailer, log on to: http://www.moviecentre.net/upcomingmovies/trailer/movie_id_2205.htm

Sandy Mandelberger, Coming Attractions Editor