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TV star Gauthier (Lambert Wilson) enlists retired actor Serge (Fabrice Luchini) in a new production of Molière’s play, The Misanthrope – but can they agree who should take the title role? Philippe Le Guay’s comedy promises an intellectual satire on how actors mirror their characters. Yet it’s compromised by indulgent pacing and ill-advised slapstick – leaving a cosy, middlebrow showcase for its stars to practise theatrical verse and fall off their bikes.

True, the rehearsal sequences offer fascinating insights into performance choices, but the film assumes a decent knowledge of Molière – add a star if you’re an expert.