Avignon

Avignon: a film by Johann Dionnet with an interesting cast.

Under a humorous exterior and a false lightness of tone, the picture painted by the director of the emerging theater world is sometimes tinged with worry and uncertainty... The finger is pointed at the enormous difficulty of putting together a play and bringing it to life, especially at the Avignon festival, a cultural temple of summer. The ensemble is just as much in terms of writing, staging, and performance. All the confirmed actors blended in perfectly and were devoted to the assigned characters. The sociological, even educational, character affects a depth to the work. I recommend Avignon wherever you are.

I was in Budapest and saw the film with friends, with Hungarian subtitles. My French was good enough to follow the story unfold (although they speak pretty fast). I have been in Avignon, but sadly not during festival time, so the street scenes around the old centre were pleasantly familiar. But most importantly, the acting was really good, despite the improbability of some of the situations. The team of actors in the 'play within a play' were a very believable team, working hard and playing hard together. Their relationships were well presented and acted, such that the sub-plots had a real feeling, supporting the main storyline perfectly. The 'us and them' situation of the high-brow actors vs the comedy troops was very well portrayed, with some lovely snooty lines. Overall, the film was a light comedy, but the deeper undertones made it a memorable one.

A funny comedy set in Avignon during the well known summer festival, a staple of accessible French performing arts. The movie is both light in tone and deep. It delves into elitism and the supposed differences between 'real' and 'serious' theater vs. Comedy and entertainment. Excellent actors, hilarious dialogues, and a lovely love story. It is well worth watching, especially if you like theater, French culture and southern France. It will make you feel like going to the festival if you never had this experience before. Culture needs to be fought for, and this movie also shows a courageous small theater company Director trying to make ends meet!