I have had only a little experience with the plays of Molière, having seen a few performed over the years. I do, however, understand the cultural significance of the playwright within French culture. Still, I was concerned Bicycling with Molière would go over my head a bit, but I found myself completely taken in by the film’s tit-for-tat rivalry.

Gauthier Valence (Lambert Wilson), a famous and handsome actor who has made his name in film and television, currently stars in a soapy primetime medical drama. In need of some validation for his talents, he wants to mount Molière’s The Misanthrope on stage. He travels to the scenic vacation spot of Île de Ré on the west coast of France to recruit an older colleague, Serge Tanneur (Fabrice Luchini). Disillusioned with show business, Serge has taken years off from acting and has dealt with depression. Both actors are, in their own ways, misanthropes themselves. Serge has hidden himself away for years while Gauthier tries to keep a polite public persona despite his egotistical nature and an occasional violent outburst.

Serge plays hard to get, unsure if he wants to return to acting. He strings Gauthier along by suggesting they rehearse at his home. If in four days he feels they’re good, he’ll commit. Each actor covets the lead role of Alceste and, in order to keep the peace, Gauthier decides to alternate who plays the part. Secondary characters include Francesca (Maya Sansa), a no-nonsense Italian women going through a divorce who befriends the pair and shares Serge’s jaundice point of view. Gauthier also agrees to mentor a young porn actress, Zoé (Laurie Bordesoules), who wants to hone her acting skills.

The film obviously reflects the play’s title character, and I’m sure there are further subtleties than the actors’ mistreatment of each other and those around them. The rehearsals are the most compelling scenes, and Wilson and Luchini become absorbed in the moment, mirroring the joy of getting lost in language and character. Each sees himself as the star, though neither can quite grasp how he mimics the character in life. Serge, who’s spent the last years alone, perhaps has a better understanding of the part. Luchini particularly stands out as a man conflicted about his career and unable to be happy for Gauthier, who he believes sold out. While funny throughout, the film has a poignancy that is surprising.

The setting also stands out, an isolated backdrop for Serge and Gauthier as they bury themselves in rehearsal. The solitary beaches and lovely old houses give Bicycling with Molière a timeless feel. Ultimately, the film, an all-out actors’ showcase, is about friendship and what one will do to prevail. It’s funny and biting at times, and certainly an encouragement to revisit Molière’s work.