Let Joy Reign Supreme (2004)

Synopsis: Philippe d'Orleans (Philippe Noiret) is the ruling regent in late 18th Century France, where Louis XV has been dead for four years, and the French Revolution is fomenting. Though his power is... Philippe d'Orleans (Philippe Noiret) is the ruling regent in late 18th Century France, where Louis XV has been dead for four years, and the French Revolution is fomenting. Though his power is contingent, the regent attempts to rule fairly and keep the peasants content due to his genuinely humanistic sentiments. Financially, however, Philippe is less noble, mismanaging the nation's treasury and siphoning funds from the American colonies. He is also a true libertine, with his greatest loyalties lying with hedonism and aestheticism. When a small uprising causes Philippe to act against his better judgement to quell the inchoate revolution, he joins forces with a corrupt, power-hungry priest, and the political and personal pressures he faces come to a head. With stunning performances turned in by Christine Pascal as the ruler's accomplice and confidante, and Jean Rochefort as the brilliantly evil Abbe, this lush production is both an enlightening historical document and an enthralling exploration of ethics and desire. [More]

Starring: Philippe Noiret, Jean Rochefort, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Christine Pascal

Starring: Philippe Noiret, Jean Rochefort, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Christine Pascal, Gerard Desarthe, Monique Chaumette, Nicole Garcia

Director: Bertrand Tavernier

Director: Bertrand Tavernier

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