Film Review – Edmond
Edmond (M)
Directed by: Alexis Michalik
Starring: Thomas Soliveres, Olivier Gourmet, Mathilde Seigner
Four stars
Review by Julian Wright
Struggling but gifted poet Edmond Rostand (Thomas Soliveres), whose work has so far in the late 19th century gone largely unrecognised, is persuaded to pen the next hit play for stage legend Constant Coquelin (Olivier Gourmet) within three weeks.
Despite every step of the way indicating that this could be a career killing disaster for all involved, everyone on and behind the stage persists with the production.
Meanwhile, Edmond gets caught up in a love triangle with his actor friend Leo (Tom Leeb), a dreamy but inarticulate fellow, and costume designer Jeanne d’Alcie (Loucie Boujenah) – but the situation could be his greatest source of inspiration yet.
This fun, witty and fast paced comedy has many laugh out loud moments and memorable characters.
It all starts with the clever script, that gives all the characters (and there are a few of them) their own motivations and moments to shine – and the terrific cast brings it all so splendidly to life.
All the pieces are beautifully juggled by director Alexis Michalik, making his feature film debut, and kept rollicking along at a brisk pace ensuring that there is never an opportunity to be bored.
Gags are terrifically set up and hilariously paid off with such speed and precision that if you blink, you may miss a couple.
Despite the surface appearance that this is simply a frothy French farce, there are some fascinating themes explored amid the fun, in particular how inspiration can come from the most unlikely places and the line between inspiration and love.
And the sumptuously designed sets and costumes are an added bonus.
Edmond screens as part of the 2020 Alliance Franciase French Film Festival.
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