Customer Reviews

Le Tartuffe [VHS]

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This is one of the best comedies ever written. It is certainly, one of my favorites. I have read this play in French and English translations. I have studied it and even seen it performed by the Comedie Francaise. This movie version is superb. Amazingly, it was the directorial debut for Depardieu. I only wish that it were available on DVD, but alas, most of Gerald Depardieu's movies are not available in that format, although this had been previously released on video disc. My one gripe is that as old as this VHS release is, the price has never been reduced. Why not?

One of the lesser known Gerard Depardieu films is his portrayal of the hypocrite Tartuffe who worms his way into a bourgeois family for sex and profit. This is the famous Moliere play by a superb French cast.Don't forget to listen to the beautiful French which is done in poetic verse. The film starts out slowly but by the middle I was enraptured by Depardieu's clever portrayal of a true charlatan who speaks in such pious verse yet has only base motives at heart. If you like this film, don't miss Depardieu's masterful Count of Monte Cristo.

This is a splendid adptation about the famous character, pregant of this double moral and sense of the opportunity. All the ugliness you can imagine and still more is treated with eloquence and superb heart rendition.

Depardieu made one of his sublime performances in all his brilliant career. This adaptaion is made with resources economy , but what a passion and delightful of the spirit's maaning.

Alejandro Casona, a famous Spanish writer told once that there wasn't any serious issue that it can be told in a funny style. That's the clue for that overwheming and outstanding performance. Depardieu also directed and conceived the artistic direction. A real tour de force and definitively an artistic triumph all the way.

A must for you to acquire this. I recorded it from TV cable and then I acquired in this format. I will be one of the first on the line when this work be released in DVD format. A feast for your eyes, soul, spirit and intellect!

Le Tartuffe is stunningly powerful live theater, filmed on a stark, austere, minimalist set. Gerard Depardieu directs and acts, casting himself against character (at last!) as the bad guy, in an Oscar-level performance. This movie is a gem!

YOU'LL LOVE THIS MOVIE IF: you appreciate live theatre, classic European literature, elegant dialogue ... you love the idea of Depardieu doing high-brow acting/directing ... and you don't need elaborate costumes, action, or other mass fare.

YOU'LL HATE THIS MOVIE IF: you're expecting an elaborate period piece, you need to see bright colors, you prefer big Hollywood productions, and you can't stand sub-titles. Go watch a Three Musketeers remake instead.