Starring Fabrice Luchini Directed by Edouard Molinaro Rated NR Running time 100 minutes Jack gives this film a rating of 9 out of 10

By Jack Garner
Staff film critic

(March 6, 1997) -- Voltaire once wrote of his fellow writer, Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, that he would "never be Moliere because he prefers his life to his work."

Perhaps that's why most people think of The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro as operas by Rossini and Mozart, and not as original stage plays by Beaumarchais.

Yet both plays were controversial productions of the Comedie Francaise in the late 18th century. They even helped ferment the French Revolution.

Beaumarchais apparently was too busy leading an adventurous life as a rebel, spy, Lothario and all-around political gadfly to amass a large repertory of literature.

That's why Moliere was more prolific, and perhaps one reason why today he's more popular. But it's also why Beaumarchais is a fabulous subject for a film.

Beaumarchais, the Scoundrel is a lavish film biography, one of the most expensive and most popular of recent French films. Beaumarchais is played by Fabrice Luchini, who stole Colonel Chabert from superstars Gerard Depardieu and Fanny Ardant.

Indeed, Luchini is the most original and enticing actor to emerge from France since Depardieu. His Beaumarchais is a complex, sharp-witted man, infected with equal doses of daring and arrogance, along with enough charm to survive both afflictions.

Though short of principles in his personal life, Beaumarchais fought for broader social concerns. He espoused the beliefs of the Declaration of Independence, just published in America.

He also argued vigorously for the rights of artists and authors, saying, "Without the right to criticize, praise cannot exist. Only small men fear the words of small pens."

Beaumarchais focuses on a volatile decade in his life -- from 1774, as Seville was about to be staged, to 1784, when the staging of Figaro triggered ovations --and a prison sentence.

In that decade, he also conveyed French arms and his own cash into the hands of American revolutionaries. And he became an increasingly sophisticated political philosopher whose words were applauded by some of the very aristocrats who were their target.

Although the Big Issues are found in Beaumarchais, so is big fun.

Director Edouard Molinaro (La Cage aux Folles) concocts just the right mix of his hero's serious achievements, irreverent wit and lusty behavior.

Imagine a zestful blend of Amadeus, Dangerous Liaisons and Tom Jones.

Supporting Luchini are esteemed veterans Michel Piccoli (as the Prince of Conti) and Michel Serrault (as King Louis XV), and bright newcomers Sandrine Kiberlain (as Beaumarchais' third wife) and Manuel Blanc (as his secretary and chief supporter).