Review of Molière (1978)
Absolutely magnificent depictions of the European 17th century, exuding the same sense of vividly human genius seculi in loving caricature as Warhammer’s finest moments, omitting quite a lot but not the filth, warmth, mirth or violence. The devolution of the king is by far the most interesting aspect of the second half, and there is not enough of that to motivate the length. The fact that Jean-Baptiste grew up to be a playwright and actor seems to have nothing to do with the attraction of this film; it might even have been better without Molière.