The enduring appeal of French theatre continues to resonate on the big screen, a trend that’s seen a resurgence in recent years. While films like Le Dîner de Cons, Le Prénom and La Cage Aux Folles are well-known adaptations, a deeper look reveals a rich history of stage plays finding new life through cinema, and a new generation of playwrights are following suit.
A prime example of this contemporary wave is Alexis Michalik’s Edmond. Originally presented as a play in 2016, it quickly became a Parisian sensation, drawing audiences to the Théâtre du Palais-Royal. The play’s success culminated in five Molière Awards in 2017, solidifying its place in French theatrical history. Michalik, however, didn’t stop there. He adapted Edmond for the screen, a project that initially began as his original intention. Faced with a lack of a suitable director, he returned to his theatrical roots to first bring the story to life on stage.
The story itself centers on a young Edmond Rostand grappling with a creative block. He’s promised a masterpiece to the celebrated actor Constant Coquelin, but finds himself with only three weeks to deliver a script – and only a title: Cyrano de Bergerac. The film, released in May 2021, captures the frantic energy and artistic struggle of Rostand’s predicament. Michalik assembled a strong cast for the film adaptation, including Thomas Solivères, Ludivine Sagnier, Tom Leeb, Olivier Gourmet, Lucie Boujenah, and Clémentine Célarié.
Interestingly, Edmond’s journey to the screen wasn’t a direct one. Before the film adaptation, the play was first adapted into a graphic novel, demonstrating the multi-faceted potential of a compelling narrative. This layered approach – play, graphic novel, film – highlights the enduring power of the story and Michalik’s commitment to exploring different mediums.
The trend of adapting French plays for film isn’t new, but it speaks to the quality and timelessness of the French dramatic tradition. The Theatre du Grand-Guignol, a Parisian theatre operating from 1897 to 1962 in the Pigalle district, specialized in horror shows and became synonymous with graphic, amoral horror entertainment. While not directly adapted into films in the same way as Edmond, the Grand Guignol’s influence can be seen in the broader horror genre and its continued exploration of dark themes.
The Grand Guignol, with its intimate 293-seat venue, offered a unique theatrical experience. Originally intended as a space for naturalist performance, the theatre’s former life as a chapel contributed to its eerie atmosphere, with boxes resembling confessionals and angels adorning the orchestra. This deliberate creation of a specific ambiance was key to the theatre’s appeal, drawing audiences seeking intense emotional experiences – and, for some, a sense of arousal.
The Belle Époque, a period of flourishing arts and culture in France from the late 19th century to the outbreak of World War I, has also been frequently depicted in film. This era, characterized by charming boulevardiers and fashionable women, has provided a rich backdrop for stories exploring themes of love, life, and societal change. Films have captured the spirit of the Belle Époque, drawing inspiration from figures like Colette and artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, who pushed the boundaries of artistic expression in the bars and bistros of Montmartre.
The Moulin Rouge, a symbol of the Belle Époque, has also been immortalized on screen, its risqué revue theatre attracting both high and low society. The enduring fascination with this period suggests a continued appetite for stories that capture the glamour, decadence, and artistic innovation of a bygone era.
The success of adaptations like Edmond and the continued interest in the Belle Époque demonstrate the enduring power of French storytelling. As the cinematic landscape evolves, the stage continues to provide a fertile ground for compelling narratives that resonate with audiences both in France and around the world. The ability of these stories to transition between mediums – from stage to graphic novel to film – speaks to their universal themes and enduring appeal.
