Jean-Claude Penchenat Movies
- 1983
A unique look at the history of 20th century France as illustrated in popular culture, Le Bal is set in a Parisian dance hall and features no narrative, no dialogue, and no continuous characters. The film moves from one dance number to the next, as the music reflects the political and cultural tenor of the times, from the Popular Front of 1936 to the German Occupation of World War II, on to the breezy openness of the post-war era and the open rebellion and turmoil of May 1968, and finally closing in the early 1980s. A troupe of dancers portrays all the film's characters, with make-up and costume changes (as well as appropriate period music) indicating the different time periods. Directed by Ettore Scola, Le Bal was based on a stage production that was a great success in Europe. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1981
This is a minimalist interrogation drama about a wealthy, influential attorney (Michel Serrault) in a small French town falls under suspicion in a double rape/murder case. The police bring the lawyer in for questioning; at first politely, and then less so, the interrogation team (Lino Venture, Guy Marchand) chips away at the suspect's alibi. An expertly wrought surprise ending makes up for the clumsiness of the English-language dubbing. This French film was based on the British novel Brainwash, by John Wainwright. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lino Ventura, Michel Serrault, (more)
- 1981
The legend of Alban, the rebel who fought French colonialists before the beginning of the independence movement in the Antilles, is the basis for this film that focuses on the years between 1943-1947 on Martinique. Alban was a black overseer on a French plantation when one day he saw his wife leaving the barn after the plantation owner had forced her to give in to his sexual demands. Furious, Alban shoots his wife and batters the owner, and then flees for his life to the surrounding hills where he successfully eludes the inept gendarmes. He comes to be a symbol of civil disobedience and is helped by the townspeople as he commits various acts of sabotage, including stealing guns from the plantation owner. Many years go by and people wonder how long Alban can hold out. As the film draws to a close, the Flamboyant Tree of the title comes to center stage - when the tree is cut, it does not die, an arboreal symbol of the immortality that pervades the legend of Alban. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jacques Perrin, Sanvi Panou, (more)
- 1978
Jean Baptiste Pouquelin Molière (1622-73) was perhaps the greatest playwright of French history. His comedies have been performed, adapted and re-adapted continually from his day to ours not only in France, but around the world. It is certain that he lived and breathed for the theater: the company he toured with became first, the King's Troupe (for the "Sun King," Louis XIV), and later became what was even then the most prestigious theater company of France, the Comédie Française. The Comédie Française remains a national institution of unimaginable importance. Thanks to Molière's devastating wit, the king's patronage and protection was more than a formality: he offended many important people personally and in his comedies. This lavish biographical film chronicles his childhood experiences as a merchant's son, going by the name of Pouquelin, up to the time he ran away to join the Béjart company of travelling players, and then follows his later years as a respected client of the king. Viewers will find their appreciation for this film enriched by prior knowledge of Molière, his plays, and his times. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Philippe Caubère, Roger Planchon, (more)
