Le Petit-Maître Corrigé
Le Petit-Maître corrigé is a three-act romantic comedy by French playwright Marivaux. It was first performed on November 6, 1734, by the Comédie-Française in Paris. In this production Clément Hervieu-Léger makes the eighteenth century resonate with our era, all the more so given that the language is “simpler than in other Marivaux plays, while still as refined, precise and full of humour”. The story is that of a young Parisian whose parents have found a good match for him, a count’s daughter. But when he goes to visit her in her country home, the handsome boy – whose Parisian manners are far removed from the rules of decorum that reign in the provinces – cannot open his heart to his lovely intended. Stung, the latter decides to punish his arrogance while a former lover arrives to prevent the marriage. Between the alliance of master and manservant, and the complicity of mistress and maid, a romantic intrigue ensues full of light-hearted conspiracies and feverish emotions.
Insights
Plot Summary
A jaded, intellectual bookstore owner, Antonie, lives a life of routine and intellectual snobbery. His solitary existence is disrupted by the arrival of a young, free-spirited woman, Lise, who challenges his rigid worldview. As their relationship develops, Antonie is forced to confront his own hypocrisies and the meaning of true connection.
Critical Reception
"Le Petit-Maître Corrigé" received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its sharp dialogue and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Fabrice Luchini. Some found the film's narrative a bit predictable, while others appreciated its exploration of themes like intellectualism, love, and personal growth.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its witty screenplay and sophisticated humor.
- The central performances are highlighted as a strong point, especially Luchini's portrayal of an intellectual struggling with emotion.
- Some reviewers found the plot familiar and the character arcs somewhat underdeveloped.
Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not widely available for this film.
Fun Fact
The film is an adaptation of Marivaux's 18th-century play 'Le Petit Maître Corrigé', reimagined in a contemporary setting.
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