The Miser

Unlike other people, I don't think Louis de Funès looks tired as Harpagon, quite the opposite. I was amazed how vital he was, how he was always running from somewhere, hitting someone or throwing something at someone, throwing his arms around, screaming angrily and then whining innocently again... Just admirable form, say what you will. It's a pity that The Miser hasn't got rid of the biggest malady it has suffered from since Molière wrote it, namely the stretchiness. The film masks it quite successfully, apart from Funès' rampage, with some really great scenes with Claude Gensac and Michel Galabru, but at times (especially in the end) it drags and there is nothing to be done about it. (2015-10-16)

I just didn't like this design. Louis de Funès is classically affectedly theatrical, and it simply doesn't fit that character for me. It's still him who wants to be at the center of attention, who wants to be incredibly interesting and entertaining, but his acting in this case is simply tiresome. The play itself is good, but in this adaptation, I was more so impressed by the drawings of Albert Uderzo. (2014-10-29)