Beaumarchais, l'insolent (1996)
Directed by Edouard Molinaro

Film Review

Based on a play by the eminent  French film director Sacha Guitry (which was never performed), this film offers some fascinating insights into one of the most enigmatic and influential of French historical figures. Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (1732-1799) is best known for his plays, Le Barbier de Séville and Le Mariage de Figaro, which became the inspiration for two great operas, by Rossini and Mozart.  What is less well known is Beaumarchais' reputation as a womaniser, a merchant, a Republican sympathiser, an arms dealer and an unwilling secret agent for the kings of France.  This film touches on all these diverse aspects of Beaumarchais' life and manages to be both a convincing and highly entertaining study of a very complicated character.

French cinema has enjoyed a long and distinguished reputation for producing high quality historical dramas.  However, two things set this film apart from the norm.  First, it has a script which very probably Beaumarchais himself would have been proud of, replete with cunning wordplay and possessing a great range of style.  There is perhaps an over-reliance on Beaumarchais' own material, but that is easily forgiven, particularly when the words are delivered with such passion and authority.  Second, there is Fabrice Luchini, an inspired choice for the role of Beaumarchais.

Fabrice Luchini works well with his supporting cast - particularly comparative newcomers Sandrine Kiberlain and Manuel Blanc, both of whom are simply delightful.  Film buffs will also no doubt appreciate the fleeting presence of former luminaries such as Michel Piccoli, Michel Serrault, Jean Yanne and Jean-Claude Brialy.  Serrault's performance as the wide-eyed, slightly dotty Louis XV is particularly memorable.

Beaumarchais, l'insolent is among director Edouard Molinaro's more flamboyant films, one of two quality period dramas he made for the cinema before redirecting his talents to French television - the other being the somewhat less accessible Le Souper (1992). Impressive though these two films are, neither is typical of Molinaro's work, which consists mainly of exuberant comedies (most famously La Cage aux folles (1978)) and crime dramas (Un témoin dans la ville, Le Dos au mur).

Film Synopsis

In France of the 1770s, the reign of King Louis XV is drawing to an end.  Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, the son of a clocksmith, enjoys fame and notoriety as a playwright and outspoken critic of the ruling elite.  Popular he may be with those who share his views, but he also has many powerful enemies, and it is the latter who contrive to have him arrested.  On his release from the Bastille, he presents in court irrefutable proof of the corruption of his fiercest opponents, the Count de La Blache and parliamentary adviser Goëzman.  The king offers Beaumarchais a full pardon if he will undertake an important state mission - to travel to England and recover some compromising documents that threaten to result in a costly war between France and her traditional enemy.  Beaumarchais has no option but to accept the dangerous assignment, but on his return to France the old king is dead and his successor Louis XVI is on the throne.  It is now that the playwright enjoys his moment of greatest glory, with his new play The Marriage of Figaro...