Art documentaries, Molière's plays in cinematic treat

Four hi-definition videos of Molière’s stage plays and two art documentaries are on show at a French film screening event at three Emperor Cinemas in Shenzhen through Sept. 26.

“Le Misanthrope”

‘Le Misanthrope’ (2017)

Plot: Directed by Clément Hervieu-Léger, “Le Misanthrope” focuses on Alceste, who is deeply disillusioned by the duplicity and insincerity of the people around him. Despite his disdain for society, Alceste falls in love with Célimène, a woman known for her wit and charm. As the story unfolds, Alceste wrestles with his own principles and struggles to reconcile his love for Célimène with his hatred for the social conventions she embodies.

‘Le Malade Imaginaire’ (2019)

Plot: Directed by Claude Stratz, “Le Malade Imaginaire” tells the story of Argan, a hypochondriac who imagines himself to be constantly sick. Argan’s obsession with his health leads him to rely heavily on doctors, pharmaceutical remedies and his scheming second wife, who wants to control his wealth. Stratz’s adaptation is renowned for its entertaining approach, making the play enjoyable for the contemporary audience.

‘L’Avare’ (2022)

Plot: Directed by Lilo Baur, “L’Avare” is a comedy revolving around Harpagon, known for his extreme aversion to spending money and his obsessive desire to accumulate wealth. Molière uses humor and irony to highlight the folly of Harpagon’s miserly ways and emphasizes the importance of love and family over wealth.

“Le Tartuffe ou L’Hypocrite”

‘Le Tartuffe ou L’Hypocrite’ (2022)

Plot: In Ivo van Hove’s visionary interpretation of “Le Tartuffe ou L’Hyporite,” the wealthy Orgon has welcomed the devout Tartuffe into his home to be a spiritual guide for the entire household. But unable to resist temptation himself, Tartuffe falls in love with Orgon’s wife.

“Water Lilies of Monet: The Magic of Water and Light”

‘Water Lilies of Monet: The Magic of Water and Light’ (2018)

Plot: The documentary takes us on a journey through the masterpieces of the Impressionist genius Claude Monet. It starts by following the River Seine from Le Havre to Paris and then goes upstream towards Argenteuil, Poissy, Vétheuil and Giverny. Along the way, we are taken on a tour of the museums, and the journey culminates at Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny.

‘A Night at the Louvre: Leonardo da Vinci’ (2020)

Plot: The documentary is a guided tour through the corridors of the Louvre, closely contemplating the works of Da Vince and revealing how the master infused painting into various activities.

Booking: WeChat miniprogram “猫眼” or “淘票票”

Add 1: Inside PAFC Mall, Futian District (英皇电影城平安金融中心店)

Metro: Line 1 or 3 to Shopping Park Station (购物公园站), Exit F

Add 2: Inside EP Mall, Futian District (英皇电影城东海缤纷天地店)

Metro: Line 7 to Nonglin Station (农林站), Exit A

Add 3: Inside UpperHills, Futian District (英皇电影城深业上城店)

Metro: Line 10 to Donggualing Station (冬瓜岭站), Exit E