La Marquise (1997) **

Don't expect another "Beaumarchais l'insolent". Once again, it's a ribald period comedy about French theater, but unfortunately, without witty dialogues and clever one-liners. Sophie Marceau plays an ambitious prostitute/dancer who seduces Moliere and Racine to become a famous actress admired by King Louis XIV. Imitating those two famous playwrights, the film moves from comedy to tragedy, with jarring abruptness.