July
2
LAFF: Moliere at The Landmark
I have a weakness for French costume epics, especially the light-hearted bodice-ripping variety. So I couldn't resist checking out the new The Landmark in Westwood where Laurent Tirard's Moliere was showing, starring the divine Romain Duris (The Beat My Heart Skipped) in the title role as a womanizing comedy actor/playwright and the equally luscious Laura Morante as the object of his affections. As always, Fabrice Lucchini is hilarious and never dull.
Although it took me a while to find the poorly marked theaters, which are west of Westwood Boulevard, I settled into my seat to enjoy the well-mounted escapist romp which Sony Pictures Classics will release here on July 27. I had read that the theaters were designed so badly that when people come and go, the doors flood the screen with light. It's true, and far worse than I expected. That's something you learn in Theater-Building 101!
Otherwise, the new Landmark complex seems pleasant enough, with a Barnes & Noble bookstore and an inviting (empty) cafe. It's The Arclight Light.
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originally, the exits were built right in the screen. so, when somebody came or went a rectangular hole would open in some hot babe's boobs or in the side of an attacking spaceship -- audiences hated it. they were all, 'yes, this is the right theater.' or, 'close the door (expletive deleted)!'
what they have now represents a huge improvement in design. count yourself lucky.
Posted by: Alan | July 02, 2007 at 07:13 PM
So how was the movie Molière? I'm curious about it. You're right about Romain Duris - he is divine (one of two movie stars I've ever asked for autographs, the other was Isabelle Huppert). Duris is unforgettable in The Beat that My Heart Skipped and very good in the Auberge Espagnole films and even in the forgettable costume drama Arsène Lupin. Should be interesting to see him as Molière.
Posted by: Micha10589 | July 03, 2007 at 04:32 PM
the movie is great looking, fitfully fun, utterly forgettable, sexy in parts, and doesn't deliver what it could have. Duris is the best thing in it.
Posted by: Anne Thompson | July 03, 2007 at 04:48 PM