The long-held cinematic paradox—that while the French are funny, sex is funny, and comedies are funny, French sex comedies never quite land—appears to have found its counterpoint in a new film by directors Bertrand Usclat and Martin Darondeau. Titled Comédie-Française, the movie delivers a spirited farce that may not focus heavily on erotica, but succeeds brilliantly as a comic triumph.
The narrative is confined to the prestigious Parisian theater for the tumultuous three hours preceding the opening night performance of Macbeth. The production is helmed by Nina, portrayed by Pauline Clément, who transitions from actor to director. From the outset, disaster looms; Nina arrives at the venue without her staff pass and must navigate an obstructionist security team, marking only the first of many hurdles.
As the curtain time approaches, the chaos escalates through a series of classic farcical mishaps. The cast includes superstitious performers and adulterous pairs who continue to recite lines between sexual encounters. The role of Lady Macbeth is played by an actress stranded in Brest due to a concurrent television shooting, while the stoned veteran of the stage, played by Danièle Lebrun, adds to the disarray. Meanwhile, Sefa Yeboah’s usher appears to understand the play’s text better than the principal actors.
Compounding the turmoil are technical glitches that stage manager Christian Hecq’s character details with exhaustive pessimism, and wardrobe mistress Florence Viala’s blunt commentary on her colleagues’ physical flaws. The tension peaks with the expected arrival of the culture minister that evening, leaving the audience to wonder whether the production will survive the pre-show pandemonium.
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