L'illusion comique

A startlingly modern take on the classic 17th century French play L'illusion Comique by ascendant French director Mathieu Amalric. A rollicking and tightly woven tale of romantic miscommunication, betrayal and familial intrigue, The Screen Illusion follows hotel concierge and private detective Alacandre, in modern-day Paris, as he attempts to help a man find his missing son. The third in a series of unique, rule-bound commissions by French cultural institution La Comédie Française, The Screen Illusion was filmed in 12 days, using only actors who had played their roles on stage, and without varying from the dialogue as originally written; that is, 17th-century alexandrine couplets. The result is novel, cohesive, visually lush and utterly contemporary - a tribute to the creative vision of the always compelling actor-director Mathieu Amalric, and the abilities of his exceptional cast. A quiet marvel of theatrical filmmaking.